Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GUCCI opulent materials, and a healthy dose of self-assured sex appeal. For his first collection, Michele created pieces with a vintage feel—f lowy '70s-inspired f lower- patterned dresses, silk blouses tied at the neck with an unstructured, slender bow—but a sensibility that's undeniably modern. Also included is a range of standout coats and neat trouser suits that are practical (particularly as extra-chic office wear) and ever-so-slightly androgy- nous without being excessively structured or serious. "I wanted to interpret an attitude, not a silhouette, through a perspective that blurs the masculine/feminine divide and champions the youthful energy and natural confidence of today's urbanites," Michele explains. That natural confidence applies to the collection's accessories as well, with fabulously Rat Pack–inspired black f lat loafers, sturdy thick belts, and boxy handbags with a hint of a Royal Tenenbaums–meets–Bianca Jagger vibe. Most are punctuated with exactly what you'd expect from this distinctive brand: bold trademark hardware, like chunky horsebits and oversize metal G's, that looks as fresh now as its has for decades. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-369-7333; Via Bellagio, 702-732-9300; The Shops at Crystals, 702-730-1946; gucci.com V "I WANTED TO INTERPRET AN ATTITUDE, NOT A SILHOUETTE." —ALESSANDRO MICHELE EXCLUSIVITY TIMES THREE All of Vegas's three Gucci boutiques offer a deep selection of Michele's design, yet each store in the trio feels unique, and each carries a few items exclusively. At the brand's CityCenter loca- tion, there is, for example, a glammed-up gladiator sandal in gold leather, with a heel that's not excessively high and bow detailing that stretches elegantly up the leg. Gucci's Forum Shops branch also offers covetable shoes, like a shiny gold mule that's extra comfortable and ideal for a bit of Elizabeth Taylor poolside glamour paired with a bathing suit, plus an ornate brocade bag in a versatile shade of soft red. A polished, structured red bag at the Bellagio's Gucci bou- tique, meanwhile, is one covered in blooming pastel pink fl owers, plus high-heeled black boots that are simultaneously sharply modern and investment-worthy classic. Models walk the runway during the fi nale of the Fall/Winter 2015–16 show. LEFT: Michele mixes delicate pleats with soft metallics for his debut collection. The Gucci boutique at the Forum Shops at Caesars. BAND TOGETHER Gucci Chiodo ring ($9,100). A single thick baton of perfectly aligned diamonds, this statement piece curves to coil around the fi nger and ever so slightly suggests a stack of separate white-gold bands. It's somehow bold and understated at the same time, working as well with jeans as with a little black dress. DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS Gucci Chiodo earrings ($13,950). Crisp and sleek, these drop earrings—long gradu- ated columns of round diamonds (314 in total) precisely set in 18k white gold—have an Art Deco feel that accentuates their elegance. KNOT TO REMEMBER Gucci Chiodo necklace ($28,500). This graceful, 18k white gold fl uid rope of 276 bril- liant diamonds—nearly three carats' worth—drapes in a particularly fl attering way around the neck. IN PIECES There's something about the glitz and sparkle of diamond jewelry that's particularly well suited to Las Vegas. Gucci's newest, streamlined, luxurious jewelry pieces—mixing modern confi dence with old-school glamour—speak the language of Vegas. 46 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM STYLE Tastemaker