Underlining an aesthetic that connects mind and body, the models read works by Jean Baudrillard

Read time 4 minutes

Photography by Mert Alas.

The philosophy of desire Alessandro Michele's vision Exploring the intersection of fashion intellect and human longing

“It’s the birth of Eros, ancient and primigenial force, that drives the desire through the attempt to mend a separation. The myth, in fact, identifies in the relationship with the Other the vital impulse that obliges each of us to restore a lost unity,” Alessandro Michele reflects in his campaign notes. These words form the foundation of a striking visual narrative that seeks to unravel the complexities of desire.

This campaign is more than a collection of images; it’s a journey into the intellectual and emotional landscapes of longing. Models are captured reading texts by renowned philosophers and theorists like Jean Baudrillard, Walter Benjamin, Judith Butler, Sigmund Freud, and Jean-Luc Nancy. Their works, steeped in the study of human desire, transform into both props and central characters in Michele’s vision.

“Knowledge itself becomes an object of desire… So the books of Freud, Nancy, and Butler describe the universe of desire, and more, they become objects of attraction themselves,” Michele notes. This unique approach underscores the intersection of intellectual stimulation and physical allure, presenting knowledge as a seductive force.

Photography by Mert Alas.

Michele’s campaign emphasizes the inseparability of mind and body, with models embodying this union through their engagement with the texts. The aesthetic marries the cerebral with the sensual, creating a space where desire is as much about thought as it is about touch.

Alessandro Michele personally selected a diverse cast of models who could authentically bring his vision to life. Each individual was chosen for their ability to embody the campaign’s philosophical depth, blurring the lines between muse and thinker.

Adding a layer of star power, Michele invited the multi-platinum Italian band Måneskin and iconic American model Kristen McMenamy to join the campaign. Their presence bridges the realms of music, fashion, and art, highlighting the universality of desire.

The campaign also weaves music into its narrative, featuring “I WANT YOU” by Madonna and Massive Attack. The haunting tones of this track amplify the mood of yearning and intensity, forming a soundtrack to the visual and philosophical odyssey.

Jean Baudrillard’s Simulacra and Simulation takes center stage as one of the texts read by the models. The book’s exploration of symbols and reality aligns with Michele’s approach to desire as a layered and multifaceted concept. Sigmund Freud’s Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex brings a psychoanalytic perspective to the campaign, delving into the primal and often subconscious forces that drive human attraction.

“Desire is not confined to the physical—it’s a bridge between what we are and what we yearn to become.” – Alessandro Michele

Butler’s Bodies that Matter highlights the role of gender in shaping desire, making it a poignant inclusion in Michele’s exploration of attraction and identity. Walter Benjamin’s The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technical Reproducibility adds a critique of modernity, suggesting that in an era of mass reproduction, the authentic experience of desire becomes an act of resistance.

Jean-Luc Nancy’s Sexistence captures the philosophical essence of Michele’s campaign, addressing the intimate connection between existence and sexual desire. It posits desire as a fundamental part of being human.

Photography by Mert Alas

The campaign’s models do more than pose; they engage with the texts, embodying scholars who navigate the labyrinth of desire. Their expressions reflect a blend of curiosity, longing, and enlightenment.

Michele’s aesthetic sensibilities are unmistakable, with opulent textures, bold colors, and intricate details. His ability to merge high fashion with intellectual discourse sets this campaign apart from traditional narratives.

The campaign serves as a commentary on contemporary society’s relationship with desire. Michele challenges viewers to rethink their understanding of attraction, suggesting it is as much about intellect as it is about physicality.

Photography by Mert Alas

This melding of fashion and philosophy is a hallmark of Michele’s tenure at Gucci. By incorporating academic texts, he elevates the campaign into a thought-provoking artistic statement. Michele’s work redefines desire, presenting it as a dynamic force that transcends conventional boundaries. He invites viewers to question their perceptions and embrace the complexity of human longing.

Through this campaign, Michele revives the myth of Eros, positioning it as a timeless and universal symbol of human connection. “Desire is not just an emotion; it’s an intellectual pursuit, a journey to reclaim what feels lost,” he concludes.

Photography by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Creative direction by Alessandro Michele. Art direction by Christopher Simmonds. Make up by Diane Kendal. Hair by Paul Hanlon.

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Photography by
Mark Abrahams

Fashion by
Catherine Newell-Hanson

Posted
September 10, 2021

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Photography by
Mark Abrahams

Fashion by
Catherine Newell-Hanson

August 9, 2018

“It’s the birth of Eros, ancient and primigenial force, that drives the desire through the attempt to mend a separation. The myth, in fact, identifies in the relationship with the Other the vital impulse that obliges each of us to restore a lost unity,” says Alessandro Michele in his notes on the campaign.

Underlining an aesthetic that connects mind and body, models read works or essays on desire, such as ‘Simulacra and Simulation’ by Jean Baudrillard, ‘The Work of Art in the Age of its Technical Reproducibility’ by Walter Benjamin, ‘Bodies that Matter’ by Judith Butler, ‘Three Contributions to the Theory of Sex’ by Sigmund Freud and ‘Sexistence’ by Jean-Luc Nancy. “Knowledge itself becomes an object of desire… So the books of Freud, Nancy and Butler describe the universe of desire, and more, they become objects of attraction themselves. As a consequence, words transfigure into an amorous lexicon”.

Alongside the cast, personally chosen by Alessandro Michele, the Creative Director also invited a selection of special guests to take part in the campaign: the multi-platinum selling Italian band Måneskin and American model Kristen McMenamy.

“I WANT YOU” (Leon Ware, Arthur Ross) © 1974 Almo Music Corp./ Jobete
Music Co., Inc. Licensed by Universal Music Publishing Ricordi Srl. Artist: Madonna, Massive Attack ℗ 1995 Universal Music Italia Sr

Photography by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, Creative direction by Alessandro Michele. Art direction by Christopher Simmonds. Make up by Diane Kendal. Hair by Paul Hanlon.

Alessandro Michele By & Large Design Film Gucci Photography Unique Perspectives

Underlined

Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

Luke: Loving, Honorable, Nasty, Happy, Sad…. Okay, let’s see what else is there?

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester.Casting by Andre’ Adkins.