For Cruise 2026, Gucci Goes Home (And Turns Florence into a Living Archive)

From palazzo to piazza, the Italian fashion house honors its Florentine heritage through voluminous sleeve details, oversized silhouettes, shiny jacquard and velvet detailing and surprise pops of color

Palazzo Settimanni is not simply a Renaissance-era residence; it’s home to Gucci’s archive. Situated in Florence’s Oltrarno district, the 15th-century, five-storey building, constructed with pietra serena stone and terracotta floors, has worn many hats over decades: workshop, factory, showroom, and now the brand’s carefully restored archive.

Inside, the walls still bear 17th- to 19th-century frescoes and original ornamentation, where lace, leather, gilded details, and handwritten sketches coexist. In that sense, the return of Gucci for Cruise 2026 to the Palazzo was not in a gesture of nostalgia; for the Italian fashion house, it represents how intrinsically linked it is to the city: “Gucci is Florence. Florence is Gucci.”

The show itself emphasized movement through space, opening with model Ella Dalton walking through a closet-like space of translucent garment bags before progressing through painted halls and bright LED panels. The presentation then extended outdoors, with models stepping into the piazza, a reference to the city that shaped it. Among those in attendance were Paul Mescal, Julia Garner, Viola Davis, Jeff Goldblum, Yara Shahidi, Mark Roson, and Derek Blasberg.

The collection approached history through silhouette and surface, guided by a sense of sprezzatura. Voluminous sleeves appeared throughout, shaping blouses and dresses with pronounced structure, balanced by lean skirts and cropped trousers. Oversized coats were a key outerwear statement, some rendered in plush fur and treated jacquards. Texture played a central role: gold jacquard complemented by fur, a pleated silver lamé ensemble, and sheer coats finished with patterned beading, all designed to reflect light subtly.

Of course, lace isn’t going anywhere in Gucci’s house codes. It’s present in sheer black evening gown, ruffled tops, and monogrammed tights. Feathered trims and shaggy finishes added movement across select looks. Colors shifted in muted tones to brighter accents: a red blouse with exaggerated puff sleeves was styled with a blue-and-red patterned skirt, while a graphic green dress, belted at the waist and paired with a coordinating bag, provided a visual break from some of the collection’s darker hues.

For accessories, oversized sunglasses appeared throughout, creating a contemporary feel to the show. Earrings appeared oversized and sculptural, while necklaces were pared back, worn as subtle accents rather than focal points. The GG Monogram threaded through the collection, while the graphic single G reappeared on belt buckles, inlays, and shoe heels.

Footwear leaned into materiality, with croc-embossed leather shoes. While bags were softly structured, referencing Gucci’s leatherworking heritage and the artisanal district of Oltrarno, complemented by gold and silver hardware and chain details. The Gucci Giglio bag, named after Florence’s emblematic lily, anchored the accessories lineup as a clear nod to place, reinforcing the collection’s dialgoue between city, craft, and continuity.

Select pieces from the Gucci Cruise 2026 collection are now available in Greenbelt 4. For more information, visit their official website.