Text: Yiannis Vasileiou

For his cruise 2017 show, Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele chose one of London’s most historically significant locations: the Cloisters at Westminster Abbey, making Gucci the first fashion house to host a runway in this setting. The collection, a twisted take on British traditions and dress codes, is now documented in Assouline’s new limited-edition publication, titled Blind For Love. Through the lens of British photographer Nick Waplington, the book showcases candid moments in the lead-up to the show, as well as behind-the-scenes images during and after the main event. Renowned for his raw and unfiltered depiction of British life, Waplington seemed like the perfect choice to complete Alessandro Michele’s vision of the United Kingdom.

The fashion show’s soundtrack featured a haunting version of the traditional English ballad ‘Scarborough Fair.’ The words of this song run as a refrain throughout the book, complementing the images of a collection strongly influenced by England’s cultural heritage. Published by Assouline, Blind For Love will be limited to 1,000 copies and comes in a slipcase with gilded pages and a painted portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on the front cover. The title is published on 1st December and will be available at Assouline boutiques around the world as well as Assouline.com