Inside the historic walls of Palazzo Settimanni in Florence — home to the Gucci Archive — the house unveiled its Cruise 2026 collection, a reverent and reflective offering that bridged its storied past with an anticipatory future. Set beneath frescoed ceilings and surrounded by the echoes of Renaissance grandeur, the show unfolded as both homage and placeholder during a pivotal transitional moment for the brand.

Designed by Gucci’s in-house studio team following Sabato De Sarno’s February departure and ahead of Demna’s highly anticipated debut, the collection leaned into archival depth while gently signaling a shift on the horizon. Signature codes resurfaced across decades: crystal-studded leggings evoking De Sarno’s sensual minimalism, fluid silks recalling Giannini, sultry nods to Tom Ford’s era, and romantic silhouettes à la Michele — all subtly recontextualized with contemporary finesse.

Oversized tailoring and sharply defined shoulders hinted at Demna’s influence, a quiet preview embraced by fashion insiders like Kering’s Francesca Bellettini. Outerwear stood out — from plush mock-fur to expertly tailored trenches — while eveningwear dazzled with metallic drapes and sculptural dresses adorned with statement bows. Accessories bore refreshed iterations of the GG emblem, understated yet impactful.

Florentine symbolism coursed through the collection: the new Gucci Giglio bag, named for the city’s iconic lily, launched as a see-now-buy-now piece. A collaborative fine jewelry capsule with Pomellato, Monili, reinterpreted '80s Milanese gold-and-leather craftsmanship, further enriching the narrative of heritage meeting innovation.

Gucci extended the experience beyond the palazzo to Piazza Santo Spirito, where a second show unfolded in the city’s daily rhythm — a gesture that emphasized Gucci’s continued commitment to culture as lived experience. With guests including Viola Davis, Julia Garner, Paul Mescal, and François-Henri Pinault in attendance, the event cemented the brand’s enduring influence amidst recalibration.

Cruise 2026 didn’t just fill an interlude — it offered a meditative pause, a curated look back, and a promise of reinvention. A poetic bridge between eras, the collection affirmed Gucci’s ability to remain grounded in heritage while quietly charting a course forward.