Frida Giannini has gone though a stylistic metamorphosis since her debut at the helm of the Gucci label. Gone are her adorable riding boot print warp-around dresses and twist-back canvas cocktail numbers. This season the newly anointed designer is channeling Studio 54.

After her show Frida said, “I was thinking of David Bowie and the way people played with their image every time they were out in the seventies. It is more about energy and showing off.” Indeed, starkly juxtaposed against the Six-Feet Under sensibility prevailing in Milan, the Gucci runway looked flashy, irreverent and ready to party.

Giannini’s gold lamé pantsuits, übermini skirts, patchwork crock jackets, animal prints and dark kohl lined feline eyes culminated to an ostentatious crescendo. At the end of the day, no one was expecting the traditionally over the top glam brand to start philosophizing in the form of restrained, sober creations, but the ‘hanging off the disco ball and lip-synching flawlessly to Grace Jones’ Slave to the Rhythm” look was a little hard to digest. Seriously, what’s next? The come back of the lava lamp?

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