Super chic and very contemporary, the spring/summer 2004 Gucci woman is absolutely "sweet" from head to toe she's pure "eye candy". She comes from high society, she takes care of herself, she has her nails done, her hair done and takes care of her skin. She wants something special when she gets dressed.

That's what this collection is all about - very dressed up, very chic and very elegant.

Last season's contemporary elegance continues in this half-day and half-evening collection, in a lighter way - certainly in colour. There is a romantic quality to this collection.

"Eye candy" best describes the season's palette of bright yellow, soft lavender, bright blue, sugary pink, aqua, pale pink and orange. There is lots of gold, white, beige and nude as well.

Almost every outfit is in silk. There are soft nappa and light weight suede. Precious skins such as crocodile and snake are used a lot, as seen on a gold jacket, as well as on handbags and shoes.

Everything is very worked. Skirts cling to the knee, close to the body through the waist, tight through the hip and then slightly away from the body.

Daywear is easier and softer. Tops are looser, there are plenty of blousons. There are some track pants and jackets done in washed silk with bright colour, while other pants are tight and stop at the ankle.

The jackets are very worked, even for the day. There are two jacket shapes: small, fitted, almost Edwardian or oversized and easy. The collection features lots of pleating and incredible workmanship.

A total of 35 bags were shown on the catwalk. Nearly every outfit has a bag. The closure on some bags is a sort of snake, lacquered and enameled with jewels.

Some classic Gucci ideas, like the stripe, have been re-introduced in bright pink and black yellow and black, bright green and black, purple and black, and sometimes in crocodile, or in satin.

The logo GGs comes in the shape of a snake, enameled with stones. The jewellery is very extravagant. Snake bracelets in gold are wrapped around the arms. There are snakes on the rings, and stones in the snakes' eyes and mouth.

The shoes have very high heels, and the heels are curved and turn into a pink gold bamboo half-way down the heel, the style is very thin and elegant. For day, there are some low shoes, while there are knee-high canvas boots on a low heel. All shoe styles have gold medals.

(Shanghai Star  March 17, 2004)