The collection revolves round three distinct themes – the City Biker, the Cross-Country and the Racer mood – that take, among others, cues from 1950s photographs of the iconic Swiss cycling race, the ‘Tour de Suisse’, found in the Bally archives.

Shoes, ready-to-wear, leather outerwear and accessories all combine high-technology leatherwork, re-engineered classics from the Bally archives, as well as innovative treatments and techniques. These include a specially engineered Teflon tanning system, a cutting-edge rubberization method, bi-colour suede perforation and a newly developed process of bonding that combines leather with materials such as cotton.

The colour palette reflects the sights, sensations and adventure of one of the most exciting examples of the cycling ethos, the ‘Tour de Suisse’. Shades include Asphalt Grey, Racing Red, Sprint Blue side-by-side with Off White, Hill Green, Mountain Mud and Buff Sand.

Boasting a design concept by Creative Director Frida Giannini, the Gucci men’s store spans more than 500 square meters across three floors and paves the way for Gucci’s 21st century contemporary look including open space, warm luxurious materials and natural light to spectacular effect. A series of backlit panels with the House’s Diamante pattern lead the way inside the store. Signature Gucci materials of rosewood and ebony are enhanced with the introduction of new elements such as matt light grey marble.

Gucci’s Brera store will be the first to offer the capsule collection designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini and Lapo Elkann, conceived as “Lapo’s Wardrobe.” comprising 27 looks – 23 for men and 4 for women. The flagship radiates a true atmosphere of luxury and features a full range of menswear. including ready-to-wear, shoes, luggage & lifestyle accessories, small leather goods, sunglasses, watches, jewellery and fragrances at the ground floor and a dedicated space complete with a VIP fitting area showcases the MADE TO MEASURE program together with MADE TO ORDER service for men’s shoes at upper floor.

The big surprise of the show was her relaxed silhouette in six-button double-breasted or single-breasted jackets, either in lustrous wools or crisp cotton. They looked sensational over silky printed shirts and Prada’s new full-legged trousers.

We work closely with the mill, and develop the cloth so that we’re taking classics like a windowpane check or a bird’s-eye spot and growing it into a large scale, so that when it becomes a suit, it becomes kind of abstracted,” said Sir Smith. The suits come in two fits, “The Kensington,” a slim fit, and “The Byard,” which is more tailored. Fabrics included a classic pinstripe in Smith’s trademark bold colors, a jacquard herringbone woven into the Union Jack, a pin dot and an overcheck.