Alessandro Michele

Gucci’s Alessandro Michele has been a force in fashion ever since he took the reigns of the Italian brand back in the beginning of 2015. He was promoted from his largely behind-the-scenes role as Leather Goods Design Director, having moved his way up from joining Gucci in 2002. For his first collection with Gucci, the designer completely changed the brand’s image and incorporated a more androgynous and vintage aesthetic. In just a few collections, Michele’s vision and leadership brought Gucci back to the forefront of fashion, with critics lauding the designer’s creations. Not only that, but Gucci reported an increase in sales of almost 5 percent at the beginning of the year. Gucci’s turnaround was so impressive that Michele won the British Fashion Council’s International Designer of the Year award in addition to the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s (CFDA) International Award. Michele also began combining men’s and women’s fashion shows in an unprecedented and trailblazing move this year. He also collaborated with street artist GucciGhost on a surprising and unique collection.