The end of an era. @Alessandro_Michele is leaving @gucci after nearly 8 years. During his tenure as creative director, Michele successfully recast the label once known for its sex-and-money fantasy of luxury in a more whimsical, gender-fluid light. His designs, often colorful and inspired by his own magpie aesthetic, have become a mainstay among his many celebrity fans including Dakota Johnson, Rihanna, Lana Del Rey, and Harry Styles with whom Michele recently collaborated on the HA HA HA collection. Meanwhile, Michele’s collaborations with the likes of The North Face and Adidas have made Gucci a must-have for hypebeasts everywhere. In 2020, the Rome-based creative discussed his own self-doubt with W. “One day, I imagine myself not working in fashion,” he told editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg. “Ever since my first collection, I’m always thinking that I could be fired. It’s not a bad way to keep yourself excited about the job. For me, being the designer at Gucci is like being in a complex relationship. It is never easy, and it shouldn’t be—but it is always interesting.” At the link in bio, see Michele's full statement about his departure. _ #alessandromichele Collages by @dickjewell W Magazine 2020