COLLECTION: BARILLA BY GCDS

"DINNER'S READY" GCDS MEETS BARILLA FOR A DINNER WITH THE STARS words Andre Ward - images courtesy of GCDS

“A completely white canvas was offered to me by Guido Barilla in our first meeting,” that is how GCDS' Creative Director Giuliano Calza described their latest collaboration with Italian iconic pasta brand Barilla. The two Italian heritage names are known for their excellence and history and what begun as a collaboration became an even great and more glamorous project as it was taken into the studios in Hollywood. The cinematic imagery created to showcase this collection is something of another era, yet, fresh and contemporary for its combination of style, fashionability, and functionality.

In a recent press statement, Calza continues “What started as a capsule collection, eventually ended up in Hollywood studios, with our teams filming for three days on Los Angeles sets transformed to dinner settings.” The “New Barilla by GCDS” is star-packed as it sees names such as Sophia Loren, Nikita Dragun, and Violet Chachki taking center stage in one of the most beautiful and character-filled campaigns of the season. The intricate project sees a combination of Giuliano's work with director Nadia Lee Cohen to create a one-minute spot where clear elements of the rich tradition - part of both brands - meet creating a new and modern concept of inclusivity while inviting us to the table to the dinner table where the banquet to the Stars is served.

In speaking of the project and how it was first imagined, renowned director Nadia Lee Cohen tells us; "One Parisian night I was drinking wine with Giuliano when he turned to me and said: ‘Babe! Do you want to make a pasta advert?” I thought why not, everyone loves pasta! We said, wouldn’t it be great if we could get Sophia Loren? Next thing I know I’m staring into the feline eyes of the icon herself, as she spoke Italian to me, whilst I pretended to understand."

To add the nostalgic and the sense of old glamour Hollywood the color fuchsia is the perfect complement and contrast to the blue and symbolizes the inclusivity GCDS seeks to represent in both this capsule collection and at large. "Inspired by the 1960’s technicolor back lots from the films of Douglas Sirk and Alfred Hitchcock, the film moves through red brick streets, gritty subways, dark jazz clubs, and paradise beach highways, depicting a day in the life of a cornucopia cast members all on their way to a once in a lifetime meal," says Nadia.

For some, the collaboration between the fashion label and Barilla might be unusual and unexpected, yet, it is perfect in both concept and execution creating an appealing presentation to the collection which sees hoodies and thick knitwear jumpers in a fresh colorway and both logos throughout while the t-shirt and socks have the added "Yes Carbs!" slogan. This is to keep with the quirky and contemporary GCDS' approach to fashion. The capsule collection is ticking all the boxes and is surely a very satisfying meal for the eyes.

The capsule collection is now available at GCDS.IT

Director & Photographer: Nadia Lee Cohen

Brick Wall Scene: Daisy Donohoe, Geron McKinley, Josh Landau, Melissa Gilbert, Phil Ursino, Ruth Banks, Terrylee Hill, Alexander Lizotte, Marlee Ingle, Amy Sue Fall, Libby Smith, Harrison Kiernan, Michael Farmer.

Subway Scene: Anna Cleveland, West Dakota, Nikita & John Robish

Hair Dresser: Violet Chachki, Carole Wells, Tess McMillan, Ruby Millsap & Gale Bershon

Jaxx Club: Lindsey Wixon & Paul Edward Ford, Michel Wilson, Andre Henry & Rahn Sargent

Car Scene: Aweng Chuol & Hana Cross

Executive Producer: Carlota Ruiz de Velasco

Producers: Malcolm Duncan & Fabien Colas

Director of Photography: Simon Duggan

Stylist: Anna Trevelyan

Hair Stylist: Sami Knight

Make Up Artist: Adam Burrell

Nail Technician: Yoko Sakakura

Production Designer: Brittany Porter