January 25 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and with it, a new zodiac sign: the mouse or rat, which marks the beginning of the 12-year astrological cycle and is symbolic of starting anew. To celebrate, Italian house Gucci is marking the occasion with a suitably rodent-themed collection, titled ‘Year of the Mouse’ and starring perhaps the most famed (albeit fictional) of its species – Disney’s Mickey Mouse.
Arriving in Gucci stores and online from January 3, the special collection will see a Mickey Mouse motif appear across ready-to-wear and accessories, from shoes to bags and small leather goods. At the centre is a Mickey Mouse-themed iteration of the house’s signature GG Supreme monogram canvas, whereby the Disney star is playfully incorporated within the beige-and-black vintage-style print, derived from a house fabric originating from the 1980s. Elsewhere, he appears on toile de Jouy two-sets, or printed boldly on accessories. “The collection has a humorous, vintage spirit, where Disney’s timeless star appears to team up with many of the house motifs,” Gucci said of the collection in a statement.
Released today, an accompanying campaign is photographed by cult filmmaker Harmony Korine at Disneyland in California, styled by the house’s creative director Alessandro Michele. The playful images, taken around the theme park, sees Mickey Mouse himself star alongside Gucci ambassador and actress Ni Ni, actor Earl Cave and designer, stylist and poet Zoë Bleu. “The colourful energetic imagery has the look of holiday postcards, and the eclectic, surreal spirit of today’s Gucci is perfectly at home in the fantasy world of Disneyland,” the house says.
Alongside the main collection, a selection of Chinese New Year accessories will be available on Gucci.com – from two versions of the brand’s now-signature GG Marmont bag to a zip-around wallet and card holder, each in white matelassé quilted leather with requisite Mickey Mouse prints. Elsewhere, a number of Gucci stores will feature dedicated windows, while Gucci Pins – the house’s ephemeral stores – will also highlight the Chinese New Year items in different cities.
Gucci’s Year of the Mouse is available from January 3, 2020 at Gucci.com and selected stores.