Why Elton John ‘snubbed’ longtime collaborator Gucci during the Oscars

Sir Elton John knows where his loyalties lie when it comes to fashion.

The music legend, 76, has notoriously been a long-time collaborator and proponent of Gucci, even asking the brand’s creative director Alessandro Michele to design the costumes for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

However, he seemingly switched teams to rival fashion house Versace during his annual Oscars viewing party last week.

For starters, Donatella Versace – the creative officer of the Italian brand and the co-chair of the Elton John Rocket Fund – was the guest of honour at the event.

Moreover, John and his husband David Furnish, 61, proudly donned Versace, raving about the brand at the red carpet.

“We’re wearing Versace as Donatella makes beautiful clothes that make you feel good,” Furnish said.

However, the decision wasn’t due to wavering loyalties but because of strong ones.

Per The Mirror, Gucci’s CO, Alessandro Michele was John’s close friend. So, when Michele departed the brand amid rumours of an internal conflict, John followed suit.

Of his departure, John said, “He is my dear friend and inspiration. Whatever he does next, I will be there for him because I love and adore him.”