Gucci is expanding its luxury brand with a new “Sustainable Soles” line of footwear made with biodegradable plastic sourced from compost.

The $170 haute jelly shoes (dubbed the Marola) feature the brand's fiercely protected interlocking G's logo in contrast to the more subtle eco-friendly men's sneaker (see below) that will hit stores by the end of this month.

Both were designed by Frida Giannini, Gucci’s creative director, who has also expanded the brand's commitment to sustainable packaging.Continue reading...

One of the more interesting collaborations at New York's Fashion Week tweaks the fact that it's the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: a red-and-green-stripped Gucci version of the Fiat 500.

According to Fiat USA, "The exclusive FIAT 500 by Gucci limited-edition models represent the perfect combination of craftsmanship and style, and bring together two of Italy's most respected brands. These special editions of the FIAT 500 and 500 Cabrio have been customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini in partnership with FIAT Centro Stile."

But read the fine print on the web teaser: "European version shown. North American model available in limited quantities late 2011." See, the Gucci-wrapped 500 actually debuted at Milan Fashion Week earlier this year. Yes, you've got to give Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne credit for having ... boldness.Continue reading...