Sir Elton John Parts Ways with Gucci, Joins Versace in Support of Designer Pal Alessandro Michele

Sir Elton John has reportedly ended his long-term collaboration with luxury designer Gucci following the exit of creative director and pal Alessandro Michele.

The iconic singer, 76, who regularly wore the brand and his fashion designer friend design the wardrobe for his farewell tour, has since ventured to Versace in solidarity with his friend.

Alessandro – who was known for creating sparkly ensembles- left Gucci in 2022 after seven years in the top job amid claims of a rift between himself and then CEO Marco Bizzarri over the label’s future direction.

Sir Elton was reportedly left ‘devastated’ following his friend’s departure and according to The Mirror said: ‘He is my dear friend and inspiration. Whatever he does next, I will be there for him because I love and adore him.’

While a source added: ‘Elton and David were very close to Alessandro and were shocked when he left. It’s no surprise their relationship with Gucci isn’t what it was.’

Sir Elton John, 76, has reportedly ended his long-term collaboration with luxury designer Gucci following the exit of creative director and pal Alessandro Michele (pictured in Versace last week)

The iconic singer who regularly wore the brand and his fashion designer friend design the wardrobe for his farewell tour, has since ventured to Versace in solidarity with his friend (pictured with Alessandro Michele and dressed in Gucci in November)

And in a big snub to Gucci both Elton and husband David Furnish, 61, wore Versace suits to their annual Oscars viewing party last week with the rival brand’s creative officer Donatella Versace the guest of honour.

With David telling the publication on the red carpet: ‘We’re wearing Versace as Donatella makes beautiful clothes that make you feel good.’

MailOnline have contacted Elton’s reps for comment.

It comes after Sir Elton John proved he hasn’t lost his performing prowess after he retired from touring last year as he took to the stage at his star-studded Oscar party on Sunday night.

And the legendary musician is reportedly in talks to create a musical based on his stellar catalogue of classic hits.

The Rocket Man hitmaker, who played his final shows last summer, is looking into his own stage show which would include hits like Your Song, Candle In The Wind and Tiny Dancer, The Sun has reported.

As the publication spoke to his husband David at the 32nd annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party on Sunday, he revealed the pair are always thinking about it.

David said: ‘A catalogue musical, we are always looking at it. I haven’t found anything yet that really covers… I think if we wanted to do it, we would want to do it in a way that was really innovative and really exciting and different.

With David telling the publication on the red carpet: ‘We’re wearing Versace as Donatella (pictured) makes beautiful clothes that make you feel good’

‘We’re open to any great ideas and it’s a wonderful catalogue. But at the moment, with the two other musicals, we’re quite busy as it is.’

Elton has a busy year ahead, as his Devil Wears Prada show is set to launch in Plymouth in July, followed by his musical Tammy Faye, about the televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker, which is heading to Broadway later this year.

Elton struggled to walk the red carpet at his own event after he underwent a knee replacement in January.

Giving an update on his health, David revealed Elton will be undergoing a replacement on the other knee in a couple of weeks so that he is all fit for the summer.

He explained: ‘He’s doing amazing. He’s having another knee done in a couple of weeks and by the time the summer rolls around, he’ll have two brand new spanking knees.

‘I think you’ll see him breakdancing down the carpet next year.’