In fashion, music emerges as a powerful collaborator, enhancing the sensory experience of a runway show. Just trust Mark Ronson and Gucci
The fusion of fashion and music can transform a presentation of garments into a multi-sensory experience. Fashion shows serve as a canvas for designers to articulate their vision and make a lasting impression, extending beyond clothing to convey narratives, ideologies, and emotions, ultimately driving sales. Every element of the ambience contributes to the overarching theme, and music, with its ability to evoke moods and atmospheres, plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the show.
One notable example of the interplay between music and fashion is the Gucci Spring-Summer 2024 womenswear show, curated by Sabato De Sarno for his debut collection for the Kering-owned brand. In this event, the soundtrack not only complemented but also elevated the overall aesthetic of the show. As the lights dimmed and anticipation filled the air, the music enveloped the audience, enhancing the immersive experience of the Gucci SS24 catwalk.
DJ Mark Ronson, a friend of De Sarno, curated the show’s tracklist, remixing niche and popular tracks, including “Late Night Feelings” featuring vocals from Swedish singer Lykke Li, and “Ancora, Ancora, Ancora,” a song released in the late Seventies by Italian music icon Mina, closely linked to the Gucci Ancora concept.
Only a year ago, Sabato De Sarno carefully selected a soundtrack to accompany his debut collection. The music, a blend of classical orchestration and contemporary beats, created a soundscape that mirrored the fusion of traditional and modern elements within the garments showcased during this first show. While there were nods to the storied past of the house and its heritage, the phrase that resonated was “clean slate,” as fashion critic Alexander Fury observed.
A blend of contrasting textures and colours, the Gucci SS24 collection introduced the shade Rosso Ancora. Against this backdrop, the music served as a guiding force, accentuating the refinement of each ensemble and bringing a sense of fluidity and rhythm to the presentation.
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For Sabato De Sarno, “ancora” means “I want more,” like “kiss me again”
One of the defining features of the Gucci SS24 show was its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity, both in terms of casting and design. As models of various ethnicities, body types, and gender identities walked the runway, the music provided a unifying thread, transcending barriers and celebrating individuality.
The soundtrack echoed the diversity of this inaugural collection, reinforcing messages of acceptance and empowerment. At the Gucci show, music went beyond being a mere background accompaniment, stirring a range of emotions from awe to introspection.
As the final notes faded, the audience was left mesmerised, a testament to the power of music in elevating a fashion show. And this is just one example—the story of music and fashion’s synergy is full of moments that highlight the lasting impact of artistic collaboration, forging strong connections in the ever-evolving, fast-paced world of luxury.
What’s the buzz? Are you wondering what to expect from the upcoming Gucci Spring-Summer 2025 womenswear show by Sabato De Sarno on Friday, September 20? Definitely, a killer soundtrack that opens our minds—De Sarno has set the bar high, and we’re ready for more.
Ana Luísa Cepeda
Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media, 2nd year, Milano
A version of this article originally appeared on Rej Magazine, an editorial project created by students from Istituto Marangoni’s Fashion Management, Digital Communication, and Media programme: Ana Luísa Cepeda (Editor-in-chief), Sofia Bacca Navarrete (Fashion Director), Henrique Mele (Art Director), THARUN KUMAR and JIN JUN HAO (Fashion Editors).