Gucci’s centenary celebration promised a truly special event, and they sure did deliver on that. As the Italian luxury label turns 100 years old this year, it has a lot be proud of, from maintaining its reverence throughout the pandemic, and an ongoing legacy of remarkable designs, to leading the industry as it intersects with technology and world-building.

“In this sense, Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses. An alchemical factory of contaminations where everything connects to anything,” shared Gucci Creative Director Alessandro Michele. “A place where thefts and explosive reactions happen: a permanent generator of sparkles and unpredictable desires. On this occasion, then, I want to honour my filial affection betraying the legacy that was handed down to me. Because the promise of a never-ending birth is only renewed through an evolving capacity.”

This milestone moment was marked with the debut of Gucci’s “Aria” collection. As another fashion month wrapped up and evolved further into the digital landscape, the house was noticeably missing from the schedule. But low and behold, unveiled via livestream this morning, “Gucci Aria,’  is part of Michele’s vision of a “hacking lab.” The creative director taps Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga, swiping a selection of his designs for the Paris-based brand. With a seamless marriage of innovation and adaptability, the Kering-owned labels continue in their strides to transcend the traditional fashion format.

This cross-pollination hybridized Balenciaga’s angular silhouettes with Gucci’s signature motifs. Co-branded blazers and fur jackets, are joined by monochrome and floral bags and accessories branded with a celebratory “100.” Some items, including leather hats and helmets taken on equestrian theme featuring an emblazoned “Savoy Club” which references the hotel that the brand’s founder, Guccio Gucci worked at before founding his namesake label.

Crystal-encrusted suits, cinched in all the right places were amidst the lineup, and are just another example of a true meeting of minds. Models adorned in the crossover creations first strutted through a corridor walled with lights and cameras, to the upbeat sounds of a collaborative playlist. A shift in backdrop swiftly followed, displaying the club scene we all yearn for, and then turning it down a notch to an enchanting Eden of wispy foliage.

Watch the collection’s debut below.