The Business of Gucci’s Designer Debut

MILAN — Gucci is a girl walking down the street. Young and cool, but not alienating; elegant with an edge.

That message isn’t exactly groundbreaking — but it is a major shift for Gucci, and could prove an effective starting point for Sabato de Sarno, the designer charged with reviving growth at Italy’s biggest fashion brand.

A narrative of youthful, street-smart style came across clearly in De Sarno’s debut show Friday at Milan…