It is all starting to make a bit more sense. Sabato de Sarno was number two at Valentino and came to Kering‘s number one Gucci while the group bought thirty percent of Valentino to add a classic fashion brand to its roster. François-Henri Pinault wants to make Gucci less about fashion and more about classicism and good taste. This is exactly what Gucci’s first show under the new design reign of De Sarno was all about. Impeccable taste, well-judged combinations, no risk taking at all. Maybe the biggest risk was the outdoor show location in Brera which was canceled at the last minute due to inclement weather and transferred to the Gucci Hub next to Linate. In Brera this show of short skirts and shorts, split open skirts, fringy coats and apple green color shots might have become a home run. De Sarno certainly did his job of elevation and if it was only that he put the classic loafers on the runway in a major platform version and added some serious heels with his skirts and mini shift dresses. There were a lot of shiny surfaces, and they were often combined with denim to balance out or powered up with lace bustiers towards the end. And fresh off his deal to buy a Hollywood talent agency, Pinault’s Gucci had one of the most rarely seen at shows “Pretty Woman” Julia Roberts in the front row with Daria Werbowy and Ryan Gosling.