At first I loved the polka dot pair and maybe the flannel from Mark Ronson's Gucci Icon-Temporary collaboration (more on this funny-sounding name later), but then when I look at them again right now, they don't really appear that distinctive. My conclusion: it must just be the celebrity marketing.
See, I told you. I mean, I'm not going to tell you which brands have done flannel and polka dot sneakers better, but maybe I can say that Frida Giannini has thought more about the value of image peddling. Fashion is, of course, one of the biggest businesses.
I love the idea of flannel, but I think the laces do not match, in terms of material. Or maybe the transition from fabric to laces could be made smoother by heftier eyelets?
Giannini and Ronson at the New York launch of the sneaker line.
The Gucci Icon-Temporary concept was first launched in October 2009, where "flash sneaker stores" (guerilla as others would call it) were to be opened in various cities, which will have their own design exclusives. There are 18 limited designs in all.
If I'm not mistaken, Ronson is wearing clothes from Gucci's Fall 2009 collection, the season when his "infatuation" with the brand began. (Am not sure since I only discover now that although I wrote 28 reviews for Fall 2009, I didn't bother with Gucci at all.)
"Infatuation" is what the author of Homme Times suggests about the artist-label relationship. He has created collages juxtaposing Ronson's outfits with runway looks.
The question doesn't really matter, but I'm going to ask it anyway: what do you think came first, the musician's "infatuation" for the label or talks of the collaboration? I ask since certain pieces fit.
In a business sense, before makes sense, but of course, he may really just love the clothes, if he's willing to be seen wearing them again and again (see bottom image).
An unexpected surprise: the Gucci logo disguised as a polka dot.
Fine, I relent. It is not hard to love this micro-houndstooth suit. In blue!
Though velvet is only for rock stars.
The main difference from runway to red carpet: the hair!
Yes, Mark Ronson is part of my style icon list, even if I may not be thrilled by all his fashion choices. The only important thing is that he wears his clothes and not the other way around. (I wonder how Kanye West's LV collaboration went...)
I also wonder who will be Gucci's next 'temporary icon', as unflattering as that sounds...