How Game Of Thrones And Gory Renaissance Paintings Inspired This Runway Show

Props instead of accessories, costume as a form of dress and third-eye detailing that we can’t help likening to that of the Raven in Game of Thrones; was Alessandro Michele inspired by more than just the superhuman life that he attributed Gucci’s AW18 runway collection to last month?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, there was no collection more talked about than Gucci’s Cyborg presentation which made waves in Milan last month. Whilst the fashion industry has become accustomed to the label’s creative director pushing the boundaries of design, models carrying lifelike recreations of their own severed heads was proof that there’s ample creativity to be explored there yet. If the aim was to shock then Michele certainly achieved his goal. Superhuman transformation was the inspiration attributed to the collection and it spanned everything from the set; the examination table, clinical blue seating and harsh lighting, to the clothing; sheer-tulle fabrications looked like skin about to be shed and bejewelled headwear added an other-worldly aesthetic.

Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith Beheading Holofernes

Dramatic yet it was, there might just have been method to the madness; you only have to look back on Michele’s past collections and their reference of Renaissance art to draw comparisons. Richly coloured, regal attire boasted elements of tapestry design (similar to that worn by those in the paintings) and as for the heads held under one arm? Some of the most widely-recognised Renaissance women were painted proudly holding something quite similar. Another famous subject, Saint Margaret, is portrayed holding a small dragon. Coincidence? We suspect not.

But there’s one, arguably more current, reference that we’re championing here and that’s Game of Thrones. Could it be influencing the way that we dress as well as the way in which we view fiction? The dragon is the first obvious clue (and when seen in conjunction with an ice-white head of hair walking down the runway only steps apart, you can’t help but draw comparisons), but it’s the reference to the all-seeing third eye that we’re particularly intrigued by. An unlikely beauty trend to catch on but one we’re still talking about all the same, does this make reference to Bran’s all-seeing powers in the series? Whichever way you interpret the show – and it’s unlikely to be as inspiration for your new-season wardrobe – it’s sure to have got you thinking. There’s certainly depth to this collection and it provides an insight into Alessandro Michele’s seemingly limitless imagination, so whilst we don’t think we’ll be mimicking the look any day soon, it’s a presentation that will definitely be remembered. One thing’s for sure, it’s sparked our interest in season eight of Game of Thrones all over again.

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