Yesterday, Gucci's Alessandro Michele presented the house's 100th-anniversary 'Aria' show. Mixed in among the house's unmissable iconography - the monogrammed canvas, the equestrian flourishes - and the headline-generating 'hack' with Balenciaga's Demna Gvasalia were pieces that paid homage to the highly-sexed Tom Ford era. One look, in particular, stood out: a red velvet tuxedo suit, revived from Ford's FW96 collection. It was updated for now with a bondage-inspired leather and chain choker and more pronounced shoulders.
Even if you're not fluent in the Gucci archives, this suit will probably be familiar. It was this look that Gwyneth Paltrow made famous (and vice versa) at the 1996 MTV Awards. She, like Michele and Ford, styled it with an unbuttoned blue shirt. Alas, there was no bondage choker with her original take, but this is the woman who gave the world the vagina candle, so we imagine she wouldn't have been snooty about it.
This isn't the only Paltrow look from the decade that feels newly relevant right now. Her minimal '90s style seems destined to be mined by summer 2021's tastemakers.
Pre-Goop, pre-Chris Martin, '90s GP was the ultimate cool girl. It showed in her style: elegant by effortlessly so, understated, tomboyish, down for fun. She had the air of someone who would attend the glitzy gala, but probably have more fun out in the smoking area. Pared-back slip skirts (ideally worn with sneakers), tailored leather and classic denim were all part of her '90s uniform. And although she would 'twin' with her then-boyfriend Brad Pitt, it was GP who came out on top.
Another reason Paltrow's throwback looks resonate now? They're sexy - but, again, in a chilled, West Coast way rather than a try-hard one. Alongside that Gucci suit, note the sheer tops (worn braless), spaghetti-strapped slips and her lo-fi approach to hair and makeup. In the '90s, nobody contoured. Her clothes weren't thirsty for attention - but she got it anyway. That's called confidence.
You have to admire Paltrow's transparency about her rigour and dedication to wellness today - none of that 'I just woke up like this' nonsense for Gwynnie. But it's the '90s, low-maintenance version of Paltrow we would have loved to share a cheeky fag with. And it's her closet we'd love to be let loose in.
9 Of The Best 90s Gwyneth Paltrow Looks
1 of 9Block Colour Tailoring
The 1996 Tom Ford Gucci suit that's just had a reboot. GP and TF still have a great relationship – remember the white caped gown she wore to the Oscars in 2012?
2 of 9Making Matching Cool
When Gwyneth dated Brad Pitt, they had a knack of co-ordinating their outfits in a way that actually felt cool. Banish thoughts of Britney and Justin in matching denim, Gwyneth and Brad were more effortless, laid-back outfits in complimentary colours.
3 of 9The Ultimate Outfit
This laidback look including leather jacket, tote bag, Converse and jeans could work for now as well as it did then. Your staple 'how to look cool' outfit, if you will.
4 of 9All Black Everything
The high shine coat, the relaxed maxi skirt, the understated designer T-shirt – it's just perfect.
5 of 9Sheer Excitement
Gwyneth had no qualms in wearing a completely sheer top. There is something wonderfully unapologetic and supremely confident about this look, although it's not for the faint of heart.
6 of 9The Leopard Print Coat
Converse, a maxi skirt, a crop top and a leopard print coat... on paper, it sounds vaguely bonkers. On GP? It's flawless.
7 of 9Biker Chic
Another 90s look that you can wear today, although maybe not in the hight of summer, but you will probably be able to buy this full look in Zara come autumn.
8 of 9Spaghetti Straps
Can anyone rock a spaghetti strap as well as GP? Serving the ultimate party frock inspiration, this timeless look will never go out of style.
9 of 9Low-Maintenance Glamour
Yes, that's right, the ultimate 90s trio of Gwyneth, Kate and Liv. Those were the days... when celebs wore random strappy tops and had their hair scraped back, not a blow dry in sight.