October 7, 2009 > Gucci revives little black dress Gucci revives little black dress Submitted By AP Wire Service MILAN (AP), Sep 26 _ Remember the little black dress? Gucci's Frida Giannini has brought it back with a contemporary edge for next summer, replacing pearls and pumps with metallic beading and ankle-buckled platforms. Giannini describes her latest collection, shown on Saturday, as ``resolutely sexy,'' and she clearly means what she says. A tight body-conscious silhouette combined with bold cutouts, bondage-like strapping, big buckles and heavy metal sequins combine to create an aggressive look that is never vulgar. Aside from the many black dresses, Gucci's creative director puts the same contemporary edge on ultra slim trousers, zippered pencil skirts, sporty shorts and fitted barebacked jackets. Gleaning from the horsey tradition of the Gucci label, Giannini comes up with harness vests and horse-bit embroidery, which further accentuate the caged-in effect of the outfits. When the styles are not black they are candid white. By night the jewel-like harnesses become more luxurious, and the tuxedo jacket has a traditional lapeled front but no back at all. Gucci also revives its famed bamboo bag from the 1940s, this round fashioned in crocodile with a brand new leather-wound handle. Platform shoes, which grab the ankle with a mean buckle, and even more the spliced knee-high summer boots, underline the ``catch me if you can'' mood of the collection.