Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana presented their latest Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections (the design duo's answer to haute couture) in Milan yesterday.
Staged in the historic Palazzo Litta in Milan, this was the first time that the house has presented Alta Moda, for women, on the same runway as Alta Sartoria, for men, in a show that featured a staggering 200-plus looks. Never a house to do things by halves, this latest presentation was a homecoming in many ways. After its recent PR disaster in China, which resulted in the cancellation of its much anticipated The Great Show in Shanghai, this was a return to familiar and friendly territory. But it was also a return to themes that are fundamental to the brands DNA: culture, life and the arts.
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For the first time, the design duo presented their Alta Sartoria collection for men on the same runway as their Alta Moda collection for women. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
Alta Moda, Dolce & Gabbana's decidedly Italian answer to haute couture, is a celebration of craftsmanship and know-how. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
Masterpieces by Botticelli and da Vinci translated into rich dresses, coats and jackets, encrusted with embroidery. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
Among the more dramatic looks was this yellow feathered gown. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
Renaissance paintings were recreated on dresses and jackets. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
In many instances, imagery wraps around the clothes to create a panoramic portrait. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
The show had a staggering 200-plus looks. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
The show represented a return to themes that are fundamental to the brands DNA: culture, life and the arts. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
In signature Dolce & Gabbana style, menswear was unashamedly elaborate. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana -
Models backstage at Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria show in Milan. Courtesy Dolce & Gabbana
The collection was inspired by the Milanese renaissance, and saw masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci translated into rich dresses, coats and jackets, encrusted with embroidery and alive with handwork, in the splendid earthy tones of the enlightenment. Theatrical, beautiful and a celebration of Italian history, this was a journey through the house's undisputed technical know-how, but also a showcase of the designers' undimmed passion. Given their recent troubles, it was good to see the duo leave politics aside and get back to doing what they do best.
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Read more:
In the front row at Dolce and Gabbana's Dubai show
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on life, death, fashion and succession
Dolce and Gabbana cancels China show amid allegations of racism
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