THE GUCCI MAN

Gucci has been at the forefront of men’s fashion since Alessandro Michele’s appointment as creative director in 2015, so it comes as no surprise that they are the leaders in reigning the way men dress.

Since Michele became the chief in design, Gucci’s menswear has moved towards a more androgynous style. This trend was debuted in February 2015, with Michele’s vision of Gucci reinvented through the lens of the feminine man. With red pussy bow silk shirts, ruffled sleeves, maroon berets and loafers, the Gucci Fall show of 2015 marked the rejuvenation of Gucci menswear as we had previously known it.

Geek Chic hit the runway in 2017, with Michele designing oversized glasses, embellished blazers and more pussy bow shirts. Previous creative director Tom Ford had made Gucci renowned for hyper-sexualised clothing, from deep v-neck shirts to underwear briefs being modelled at his exit show. The vast contrast between the two styles posed the question: what makes men’s clothing sexy?

Michele would argue that showing femininity makes men more masculine, while Tom Ford has been quoted that he is an “equal objectifier”, in which he is as happy to objectify men as he is objectifying women. It is clear that while sex sells, Alessandro Michele’s clothing is appealing to a wider audience of several sexual orientations, all the while challenging gender stereotypes.

Since his appointment, Gucci has developed a cult following among celebrities known for their quirky styles. Two pop stars who often have Gucci items custom made for their public appearances are none other than Harry Styles and Billie Eilish. While Eilish’s signature style is oversized, baggy clothing often covered in the Gucci logo, Styles’s is much more of an androgynous aesthetic. In 2018, Styles featured in Gucci’s Men’s Tailoring campaign video. He can be seen visiting a local fish and chips shop, dressed shirtless in a pinstripe suit with a blue check blazer layering the outfit. This look is accompanied by a necklace and several rings, along with a live chicken as a prop.

Since then, Styles has taken a more daring approach to his aesthetic. In 2019 at the iconic Met Gala which was themed Camp, Styles wore a sheer black blouse completed with a pussy bow, accompanied by black tailored trousers, a drop pearl earring and a fresh manicure, with heeled leather Gucci shoes finishing off the look. Actor Jared Leto also boasted a more androgynous style, wearing a custom red silk gown, and accessorised with a jewel body chain, along with a bust replica of his own head.

Gucci’s Fall 2020 menswear collection was blossoming with many of Michele’s signature looks: dresses, extravagant androgynous tailored suits and of course, layers upon layers of block coloured items. With more men wearing gender bending clothes, and women often purchasing from Gucci’s menswear, it is clear that feminine and androgynous style for men is one that has taken the world by storm, and as far as the celebrity world is concerned, it is here to stay.

Home Staging For Home Sales

Selling your home in the current market isn’t easy. We pass on some advice from a home-staging expert on making any property look its best, boosting your chance of a sale.

There’s no hiding from it; with the pandemic having an unprecedented economic impact, many people may soon be struggling to sell their homes.

The good news, though, is that even in the most difficult market, some people will be looking to buy. So, is there anything you can do to maximise your chances of selling your property? Yes there is, according to Tina Jesson, a property marketing expert and founder of property staging company Home Stagers. If you’re looking to sell your home then you may want to read her advice. She has come up with a four-point plan that may help home owners stand a chance of getting a sale in an increasingly competitive market.

If you’re not getting viewings, the chances are your price is too high. In today’s market we are consistently seeing property left unsold for six months or more and many home sellers need to seek advice from their agents about reducing the price. Prices are forecast to continue to fall and I’ve met far too many home owners who wish they had taken the offer they had three months ago.

If you want to attract serious offers you may need to consider dropping your price a little. If you haven’t yet made a reduction, and my advice is if you receive an offer within 10 per cent of the asking price, take it.

Tina Jesson, who says top of the list of advice is To look at the price

Presentation

If you’re getting viewings but no serious interest, it’s likely to be presentation letting the property down. Many home sellers clear the clutter and paint it neutral, but professional home staging is so much more than that Many homes look bland or ill-defined and properties in this market really need to stand out. Seeking the advice of home staging professionals can find the right balance in a property and discover tricks to adding perceived value. A

Promotion

Effectively promoting your property is essential and interior and exterior images must do the property justice. Home staging works to maximise the key selling points, define room function and create space. This can significantly improve photographic material, which will in turn refresh the description and ultimately increase the likelihood of a sale. Asking your agent to organise open house days can be an effective way to generate interest with potential buyers face to face.

Preparation

Last but not least, as with all undertakings, preparation is essential. If you’re showing an interested party around, talk to your agent to help you familiarise yourself with the key selling points that will increase the appeal of your property. Take time to choose which order of rooms will give the best impact overall and talk about the highlights, while preparing yourself with responses to any drawbacks to the property that you may be questioned upon.

Estate & Lettings Agents

Lettings2Sales are highly regarded estate agents in Cardiff with a wealth of knowledge and experience of the South Wales property market. We are also one of the premier letting and rental agents in Cardiff Bay and throughout Cardiff. Our friendly and efficient staff are all property professionals with in-depth property sales and property rental experience.

22 James Street, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5EX