In partnership with Gucci
An unlikely duo: Albian and Honor. Hailing from two seperate worlds, two seperate identities. Somehow, their paths led them here – together. United through an innate desire to explore. To be more. Stagnation is the enemy and this pair are moving fast. Towards authenticity, a refreshed understanding of tradition. Merging thought and insight; taking what we know to be true and then subverting it.
Left: GUCCI single-breasted velvet jacket, fine cotton poplin shirt, stretch velvet flared pant and women's The Hacker Project pump. Right: GUCCI single-breasted velvet jacket, fine cotton poplin shirt, stretch velvet flared pant and The Hacker Project Choker with Balenciaga script.
It's this same desire for exploration and thirst for mutual contamination which has continuously underpinned The Hacker Project – a collaboration of mind, body and creative soul between luxury fashion Houses Gucci and Balenciaga. First presented earlier this year within Gucci Aria, the collection merges the iconic silhouettes and codes of Balenciaga and Gucci in unique creations as an exploration on ideas of authenticity and appropriation within the fashion industry.
Left: Honor wears GUCCI The Hacker Project maxi GG jacket, The Hacker Project maxi GG shorts (shop similar) and women's GG knee-high boot. Albian wears GUCCI The Hacker Project Choker with Balenciaga script. Right: GUCCI The Hacker Project maxi GG jacket, The Hacker Project maxi GG shorts (shop similar), women's GG knee-high boot and The Hacker Project bag (shop similar).
GUCCI pantashoes (shop similar). Sculpture by Kyle Montgomery courtesy of China Heights Gallery.
Similarly to Albian and Honor, creative directors Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia's collection is cross-pollination in its finest form – transporting us to a hybrid universe of ready-to-wear and accessories. Emblematic styles come together to create something new, as Gucci and Balenciaga merge into one. So intertwined stylistically and visually that it's almost impossible to seperate the two as new jumbo renditions of the House’s monograms blend in and stand out.
GUCCI The Hacker Project maxi GG jacket.
GUCCI Aria bralette, skirt, women's GG slingback pump and The Hacker Project bag (shop similar).
GUCCI Aria bralette, skirt and The Hacker Project bag (shop similar).
Signature pieces like Balenciaga's Hourglass Top Handle are adorned in the unmistakable interlocking GG logo, and Balenciaga's instantly recognisable block letters take front and centre hanging individually from a silver choker that's certain to turn heads. At its core, The Hacker Project encourages us to think differently – pushing us outside of the boundaries we've previously found comfort within.
To a world where Albion and Honor conquer all.
Left: GUCCI Aria corset, top, pants and The Hacker Project Choker with Balenciaga script. Right: GUCCI top. Sculpture by Kyle Montgomery courtesy of China Heights Gallery.
You can explore the complete Gucci and Balenciaga Hacker Project online at now gucci.com/en_au/.
PHOTOGRAPHY & FASHION Kitty Callaghan
MODEL Honor Munro @ Stone Street Agency wears GUCCI Aria bodysuit and skirt.
Albion wears The Hacker Project Choker with Balenciaga script.
MAKEUP Molly Warkentin @ HM Division
HAIR Jen Kilpatrick @ HM Division
DIGITAL OPERATOR & PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANT: Steph Pedersen
PRODUCER: Cal Callaghan
Shot at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia.
