Demna’s Fall Winter 2026 Debut, Reviewed – We Were in the Room
On Tuesday we attended Gucci’s Fall Winter 2026 private screening of Demna’s runway debut. Our honest verdict? The collection is sexy, simple, considered and ultimately, cool – something we’ve all been craving.
A week later than the debut, a glass of champagne deep, wearing the La Flora look from La Famiglia collection, and not a single person in that room was anything less than ready. Gucci’s private screening in Sydney delivered its own energy, and the moment the lights dropped, it delivered.
Skinny jeans are in, figure hugging silhouettes have returned with intent, and the baggy era feels firmly behind us. Textural leather jackets, glittering trousers, muscle tanks and precisely cut mini dresses carried sensuality. Jersey dresses, fitted tees and silk leggings on high rotation also confirmed it – Demna is dressing the body, not hiding it. Nothing gratuitous, everything deliberate. It felt like a collection that knew exactly what it wanted to say and who to speak to.
The makeup was deliberate. Dark eyeshadow lent an air of mystery, while nude lips complemented without competing. It made us want to smudge our eyeliner and light a cigarette – two actions we wouldn’t normally identify with.
Accessories felt intentional. Nothing was overdone. Black oversized sunglasses felt bold while sky high stilettos replaced kitten heels (finally). The medium Horsebit Ristretto shoulder bag replaced mini bags, and a comeback of the classic men’s Prinston Loafer with fur graces us. Though lets not glamourise bare-feet, please…
“This collection, and my overall vision for Gucci, is built around a sense of pragmatism.” Demna Gvasalia
The energy in the room as we watched matched what was on the runway; charged, almost conspiratorial. From the moment the first look appeared, we all collectively gasped with relief. It felt like a revival of the naughties. Particularly Kate Moss’s closing in a silky sequin gown with a double-G-G-string was like a cheeky nod to the naughty side of this era.
Noticeably the show read as a spiritual successor to Tom Ford’s Gucci era. House codes intact yet reinterpreted with fresh precision. Where TF seduces through glamour, Demna seduces through tension.
It’s been a while since a collection genuinely excited us. This one did. It just feels cool, without trying too hard. And that hints to a promising future of Gucci.
Yours truly,
The Blonde Duo x
