Espresso Martinis, Tom Ford-Era Archives, and Lots of Pasta: Inside Gucci Cruise With Devon Lee Carlson

The Gucci fascination began early in the Carlson household, Devon Lee Carlson admits as she recalls her sister’s obsession with the brand growing up. “She even had a Gucci-themed birthday cake,” Carlson shares with Who What Wear. Since early days celebrating with GG cakes, the social media star, model, and Wildflower Cases co-founder has become a bona fide Gucci girl, sitting front row at a number of the brand’s runway shows including its latest cruise 2026 collection in Florence—the locale where the Italian fashion house was founded 104 years ago in 1921.

This Gucci show marks the first collection since Demna's appointment as artistic director. Although, the fashion industry will have to wait until his debut collection at the spring 2026 show in September to see his vision for the brand. The collection, presented by the in-house studio team, already shows early signs of Demna's influence, blended with iconic motifs from the brand’s history—the sexiness of Tom Ford, the quirky prints of Alessandro Michele, the strong tailoring of Sabato De Sarno. The Gucci woman is playful yet sophisticated, mixing plush coats and leather pencil skirts with acetate aviator sunglasses and splashes of neon. The looks on the runway tap into the many reasons Carlson feels so connected to the brand and its history. “I’m channeling a Tom Ford Gucci girl in this look tonight,” she shared while getting ready in her hotel room, opting for black eyeliner and a shiny blowout to pair with her head-to-toe black sequined Gucci look. We caught up with Carlson just as she was leaving the Gucci 2026 cruise runway show.

Do you have any pre-show routines or rituals?

Well, when I’m watching a show, I usually nine out of 10 times have an espresso martini before. It just feels so celebratory and necessary—really gets me in the mood.

What is something about your runway show prep that people wouldn't expect?

When I’m attending a show, I don’t really pre-plan my hair and makeup looks. It’s just whatever I’m feeling at that moment.

Tell me about your beauty routine and what the inspiration was for your look today.

I love beauty routines. I lay in bed with my red light mask on and elevated my legs (great little hack for improving circulation). I also did a sheet mask. I love moisturizer I apply it very frequently.

I'd love to know about the look that you chose today. What about your outfit speaks to you and your personal style?

I’m wearing cute black sequin mini shorts and a matching sweater—I love it. I do love a sequin moment, so I guess it suits me.

What's the most touristy thing you'll be indulging in while you're in Florence?

Pasta and lots of it.

Gucci has so many iconic pieces. If you could pull one Gucci piece from the archives to wear for a special occasion, which one would it be?

Well, I do own Kate Moss’s leather dress from the spring 2001 Gucci show, but I think being able to have any full look from the first Gucci show in 1995 would be so fun.

What is your favorite look from the Gucci 2026 cruise collection?

I feel like Rihanna would wear [Look 17], and I also love this color blue so much.

What was everyone talking about on the front row?

My sunglasses. No one had seen them before! We are all obsessed.

What is the Gucci runway piece you already know you'll be adding to your closet? How will you be styling it?

The hot-pink shoes and bags. Styled with either a little black dress or sweats.