Milan Fashion Week concluded on a high note Friday, but the buzz extended far beyond the runway. Following Demna’s debut collection for Gucci—a show that saw Kate Moss return to the catwalk and Demi Moore craft a statement alongside her canine companion, Pilaf—an exclusive gathering at Il Baretto, a celebrated Milanese eatery, brought together a constellation of stars. The dinner party, a celebration of the fresh era at Gucci, underscored the designer’s vision and the influential figures embracing it. The event, and the fashion show preceding it, signals a shift for the iconic Italian brand, and a new chapter in the world of high fashion.
Demna’s first runway show for Gucci, held earlier that day, was described as the “birthday” of his creative vision for the house, according to a pre-show letter from the designer. The show featured a star-studded cast of models, including Emily Ratajkowski and Karlie Kloss, who made her first runway appearance since 2023, and culminated with Kate Moss closing the show in a striking black sequined gown. The collection itself, as reported by Vogue, introduced a universe of people and dress codes that will shape Demna’s design language moving forward. The evening at Il Baretto was a continuation of that energy, a chance to solidify the connections and celebrate the beginning of this new direction.
Demi MoorePhoto by: Jacques Burga
A New “Gucciness” Takes Shape
The guest list at Il Baretto read like a who’s who of the fashion and entertainment worlds. Alongside Moore, Moss, and Ratajkowski were Alessandro Michele, the former creative director of Gucci from 2015 to 2022, and rapper Fakemink, both of whom had walked in Demna’s runway show. Photographer Nadia Lee Cohen and director Aidan Zamiri, known for his work with Charli XCX, were also in attendance. The presence of Michele, in particular, was notable, signaling a sense of continuity and respect for the brand’s history as it moves forward. Demna himself reportedly eschewed the traditional head-of-table seating, a gesture that aligns with his stated desire to move away from overly intellectualized justifications for his designs.
The evening’s atmosphere, as described by actress Isabella Ferrari, was one of “contemporary irreverence.” This sentiment, she noted, mirrored the feeling conveyed by the runway show itself. Guests largely embraced a classic aesthetic, with many opting for black ensembles punctuated by pieces featuring the iconic double-G motif. Emily Ratajkowski, who wore a silver mini dress on the runway, changed into an all-black outfit with horsebit chain detailing for the dinner, exemplifying this blend of classic, and new. The footwear, too, paid homage to Gucci’s past, with nods to the fur-lined loafers popularized during Michele’s tenure.
Demi Moore’s Bold New Look
All eyes were also on Demi Moore, who debuted a striking new hairstyle: a softly-waved bob that grazed her jawline. The change marked a significant departure from her signature long hair and generated considerable buzz. Moore was accompanied by her dog, Pilaf, who remained by her side throughout the evening. The new hairstyle, as noted by multiple outlets, including People, was described as a “wet-look bob” and a “radical makeover.”
The dinner wasn’t just a celebration of fashion; it was a statement about the future of Gucci under Demna’s leadership. The designer’s approach, as evidenced by his show and the relaxed atmosphere of the dinner, prioritizes confidence and a sense of ease. Amelia Grey, attending her first Gucci show, expressed feeling “proud to be part of this new era,” highlighting the excitement surrounding the brand’s evolution. The evening culminated with a toast led by Francesca Bellettini, Gucci’s president and CEO, who raised a glass “to a Gucci life.”
Kate Moss, having closed the runway show, was a focal point of attention at Il Baretto, greeted and embraced by fellow guests. As one attendee, Alice Pagani, remarked, Moss possesses “the allure of a fallen angel,” encapsulating her enduring appeal and influence. The gathering underscored the power of collaboration and the shared vision for a revitalized Gucci.
Looking ahead, Demna’s focus will be on solidifying his vision for Gucci and building upon the foundation laid by his predecessors. The next steps for the brand will likely involve further exploration of the themes introduced in his debut collection and a continued emphasis on inclusivity and innovation. The fashion world will be watching closely to see how Demna shapes the future of this iconic Italian house.
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