By Merja Iileka

If Miu Miu and Prada have masterfully curated the ultimate modern-day minimalist 'it girl,' then the new Gucci is lining up to dress her too.

For his debut collection, aptly named "Ancora" (Italian for 'again'), the new creative director, Sabato De Sarno, stripped away Gucci's maximalism and the sometimes extravagant abundance of his predecessor, Alessandro Michele.

Instead, he unveiled an elegant and refined collection that places Italian craftsmanship at its core.

In a pre-show statement, De Sarno explained that he designed a collection deeply rooted in how people dress today, with an emphasis on pieces that exude effortlessness and stand as complete ensembles without the need for overthinking or excessive styling.

The opening look featured a long, dark grey coat paired with matching high-waisted grey shorts and a low-cut white tank, cinched together with a black belt, a chunky gold necklaces, a shoulder bag, and dramatically high platform loafers.

The remaining 54 looks from his Spring/Summer 2024 collection at Milan Fashion Week adhered to streamlined silhouettes that were simultaneously simple, sleek, sexy, and sporty.

But who is this 'it girl' that De Sarno envisioned while creating his inaugural collection, and why is she already assembling her Spring lookbook inspired by his creations?

De Sarno's personal note, placed on each guest's seat during Friday’s show at the Gucci Hub, provides some insight into his vision of this 'it girl.'

The new Gucci 'it girl' is both sexy and sophisticated, unafraid to flaunt her legs in short-shorts.

She's well-travelled and can often be spotted at the airport donning an oversized Gucci hoodie in grey, complemented by a crimson red thigh-high. She's a jet-setter, and, in De Sarno's own words, she "travels around the world but still feels at home wherever (she) is."

This 'it girl' is family-oriented, and for her parents' anniversary dinner party, she dazzles in an orange sequin crosshatch crystal-embroidered tank mini dress, matched by an equally bedazzled Jackie bag.

A passionate lover, she enjoys kisses—lots of them. So, on a date, she opts for a red silk midi skirt adorned with dramatic tassels that oscillate as she confidently walks across the room. Completing the ensemble is a matching leather bag and slingback heels.

An intellect and art enthusiast, you might find her immersed in a museum, draped in a bold neon green trench coat, elegantly trimmed with long, dramatic tassels. She pairs it with red high-waisted shorts, a matching GG buckle belt, a tucked-in semi-sheer button-down grey polo top, and bold chunky earrings, because the Gucci 'it girl' isn't afraid to embrace vibrant colours.

On one occasion, you might spot this spontaneous 'it girl' decked out in a head-to-toe GG monogram ensemble, featuring a monochrome romper, chunky loafers, and a strapped bag, because, let's face it, there's only so much quiet luxury one can endure. On another day, she effortlessly rocks dark blue baggy jeans and a simple everyday jacket.

This 'it girl' loves to have a good time, and during a night out, you're bound to encounter her dancing the night away at the trendiest hotspot. She's dressed in a black, seductive vinyl slip mini dress, topped with an oversized black jacket and sneakers, ensuring maximum comfort on the dance floor.

The next morning, don't be surprised if you spot the Gucci 'it girl' in a pink, devilishly lace-trimmed lingerie dress beneath a beige trench coat—a cover-up she quickly grabbed to take her miniature poodle out.

A personal note by Sabato De Sarno on Ancora (Gucci Instagram)

"It’s a story of richness and desire, of red but also blue and green, of flash, of spontaneity, of light, of a party at the first light of day. It's an unapologetic story, one that's bold, manifest, and not bound by taboos. It is entirely free and brimming with euphoria," De Sarno wrote to encapsulate the Ancora collection.

This is the new Gucci 'it girl'—brimming with joy, passion, glamour, confidence, and humanity.

And let me tell you something else, I aspire to be her.

New Gucci for the Minimalist 'It Girl'