Gucci’s 2021 centenary collection was called Aria. Designed under Alessandro Michele, it marked the house’s 100th anniversary and revisited Gucci’s history through a deliberately theatrical mix of heritage references, pop culture, and contemporary fashion.
Aria drew on Gucci’s equestrian associations, including riding gear and references to the Savoy Hotel in London, where founder Guccio Gucci worked as a lift attendant before establishing his leather-goods business. The collection also revived and reworked familiar house signatures such as the GG canvas and horse-related motifs.
A common mix-up is to treat Gucci’s 2021 projects as one single release. Aria was the centenary collection, while Gucci Garden Archetypes was an exhibition in Florence and Gucci’s later collaborations belonged to different campaigns or seasons. Aria also attracted attention for its playful “hacking” of fashion references, including elements associated with Balenciaga and earlier Gucci eras.