Now is the time to reacquaint yourself with Gucci. Why? Two words - Alessandro Michele. Or rather, one word - visionary. The relatively new Creative Director of the storied Italian brand (appointed to the position early last year) is the man behind this renaissance. And whether or not you’re a fashion devotee, he is changing the way we dress, in no uncertain terms.

In just one year, Michele has transformed the Gucci man from alpha-male to chic-geek. His men have sauntered down the runway sporting oversized spectacles, granny knits, embroidered jeans and kangaroo fur-lined slippers, all created with the most luxurious craftsmanship available in Italy, of course. Just a few seasons after his debut in Milan, his influence can be felt in even the most formal of settings, where the Gucci effect has made it acceptable to wear a silk shirt under your suit.

Gucci is now about expressing individuality. The wearer is given a myriad of choices to best reflect their own style. Though, the Italian designer appreciates there are certain traditions that need to be considered. “The men’s wardrobe is like a ritual and I am fascinated by it and its codes,” he said during an interview with GQ magazine earlier this year. “The codes are not to be cancelled, they have to be reinvented and repositioned in a different fresco.” His thoughtful reinvention has also thrown a spotlight on the extraordinary craftsmanship and the attention to cut and fit of his varied and layered collections, showcasing why the Made in Italy label continues to define true luxury.

For his Autumn Winter 2016 menswear collection, Seventies-influenced patterned suits with defined waists and flared pants, along with statement coats in upholstery brocades and signature appliqués, once again demonstrate Michele’s deft hand at turning establishment upside down. His range of influences, from Saville Row tailoring to philosopher Jacques Derrida, all combine to form a bewitching mix, making his vision so potent and so right for today.

Under Michele’s direction, the new Gucci man is daring, joyous and expressive - with the freedom to define his own sartorial rules.