GCDS showcased its Spring Summer 2023 collection at Milan Fashion Week on September 22. Designer Giuliano Calza brought the whimsical show to life, staying true to the GCDS mission of embracing individuality through youthful, modern fashion.
1. The Theme
“Alien Disco.” Two words that set the mood for the night, inspiring everything at Calza’s show. Calza’s mission with this collection was to honor the individual quirks that make us all unique, creating a safe and welcoming space to embrace the ‘weird.’ The SS23 collection takes inspiration from the idea of a surreal alien summer, using bright shades of pink and yellow to mimic the feeling of an energetic poolside party in mid-July. The vibrant colors are a hot take on dopamine dressing, 2022’s biggest trend for color palettes. But Calza took it a step further with catsuits and sequins, creating looks fitting for an all-inclusive, nighttime rave.
2. The Venue
The SS23 show was held at the historic Rotonda della Besana, a cemetery turned cultural center. For the big night, the Rotonda was transformed into a dreamlike space. Audience members were seated on futuristic, cubical white stools lining the venue. The main attraction, however, was a spherical structure meant to resemble a disco ball, positioned in the center of the room. Throughout the night, the disco ball lit up in colors matching the looks on the runway, momentarily catapulting the audience to an extraterrestrial reality away from the concerns of the real world.
3. The References
Viewers of the show quickly spotted a familiar face among the night’s looks. GCDS is known for its diverse collaborations, with a past roster including Hello Kitty and Looney Tunes. The honorable feature was none other than Spongebob Squarepants. Everyone’s favorite animated sponge was fittingly incorporated into the latest collection as an embodiment of someone who is unapologetically self-accepting. The cute motif was featured on knitwear, pouches, and dress prints, and was also incorporated directly into the color scheme for some looks. Spongebob’s right-hand man, Patrick Star, also got a cameo.
4. The Accessories
The collection’s accessories were a definite highlight of the night. High-gloss, rhinestone, and denim handbags. Bedazzled hand gloves. Ruched purse straps. Ombré platforms with a slight sheen. Distressed caps. GCDS-branded sunglasses. Spongebob motifs, everywhere. And, stealing the show, wedge heels, and boots in the shape of an open jaw — dangerously beautiful.
5. The Textures
There were no limits to the types of fabrics featured on the SS23 runway. To fit the beachside, summertime vibe, models sported swimwear, knit pieces, and skin-baring pieces, a type of risqué that is normal for GCDS collections. The Italian label also took a dip into bikercore, or racercore, with a yellow leather set, sporty lavender playsuit, and floor-length fuschia dress decorated with bedazzled flames. Of course, denim made an appearance in several outfits, in the form of both jean pants and tops.
6. The Music
GCDS tapped Popa and producer Katoo to create a unique soundtrack for the show, making the Alien Disco experience immersive down to the last detail. Titled “Disco Alieno,” after the collection’s name, it is an ode to Italian music. As the label put it, the track traverses everything from the “groove of the 70s to the naïf power of the 90s.”
7. The Attendees
As expected from a major label like GCDS, the guest-list featured its fair share of stylish stars. Instagram influencer Anastasia Karanikolaou, Italian creator Gaia Clerici, and English model Munroe Bergdorf attended wearing skin-tight pieces, matching the collection’s provocative, alluring theme. Drag queens Aquaria and CT Hedden stunned in a black and white printed co-ord and a matching neon green dress and fur coat ensemble, respectively.
GCDS is a brand founded on unique, bold looks that embrace our individuality as humans — it’s a welcoming space that transcends the tediousness of daily life and accepts people from all walks of life. Though the series of global fashion weeks provides designers an opportunity to showcase their collections, GCDS has taken it one step further to promote its own positive message through a playful collection.
Want more content from Milan Fashion Week? Check out our review of Blumarine’s show here!
