For the new Resort 2015 collection, Gucci‘s Creative Director Frida Giannini works effortless elegance to modern new effect. The fresh line-up features streamlined, pretty dresses with rich touches, including a graphic take on the iconic Flora print, created in collaboration with Canadian artist Kris Knight, round out the new season, which proves relaxed sophistication can be very persuasive. For Knight’s Flora reinterpretation, he “wanted to create a painting that paid homage to Accornero’s delicate original by utilising his symmetrical composition but to create a strong, feminine, magical and quietly dangerous Flora of [his] own”. With ancient paganistic Roman references as inspiration, he “picked botanicals that either blossomed at night, dawn or dusk, but also chose plants that have strong roots for adaptability, persistence and resistance in harsh environments … [which] had elements of beauty, strength and desire, but also infuses a subtext of darkness and enchantment”.

The flowers that were picked were the Belladonna and Datura – blooms that women in ancient Rome used as a love potion of sorts, for seduction and desire to command power over men. Flowers such as Poppy, Henbane and Mandrake, traditionally used by not just the ancient Romans, but also the Greeks and Celts for healing, were also thrown into the mix for a darker, supernatural feel. Plants such as the Clover, Dandelion and Nightshade known to have protective qualities, thus functioning as talismans of sorts, were also used to create Knight’s version of the Flora design.

Lensed by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, the Gucci Resort 2015 campaign features models Alisa Ahmann, Aneta Pajak, Julia Banas, and Julia Bergshoeff posing in a dark lit studio wearing tropical-inspired pieces and clutching luxurious leather goods all while celebrating the season’s fresh allure and sensual elegance.