Experience the allure of Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, where opulent Italian glamour ignites like never before. Over a splendid decade, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have orchestrated an extravagant symphony of custom couture, embarking on a whirlwind voyage to 12 captivating Italian cities. A mesmerizing journey that witnessed the unveiling of showstopping masterpieces like a coat adorned with 20,000 glistening crystals and a regal gown boasting a sweeping 13-foot train. In a breathtaking display of artistry, the Fall 2023 collection took center stage at the UNESCO World Heritage haven of Alberobello, nestled in the heart of Puglia. A shift from the crystal-studded extravagance, this iteration emanated understated elegance, evoking the monochrome grace of an Italian neorealist film. Amongst the enchanting ensembles emerged a crochet marvel, a resplendent testimony to time-honored handcraft traditions, weaving a narrative of refined restraint.
Speaking passionately in a preshow press engagement, Gabbana championed “authenticity” as the keystone of this collection. A sentimental homecoming for Dolce, whose Sicilian roots intertwined with the tapestry of this presentation. Fond memories of olive oil-drenched homemade bread, tenderly shared at family gatherings, formed the backdrop of their inspiration. “Fatto al mano,” Dolce remarked, invoking the spirit of handmade craftsmanship that resonates through generations. En route to the majestic show arena, guests wandered through Alberobello’s ancient streets, flanked by traditional trulli huts with conical roofs dating back to the 14th century. Local artisans, guardians of ancestral techniques, breathed life into crochet, embroidery, basket-weaving, and garland-making, fueling creations like a sunlit minidress woven with tube-shaped Mikado elements and a violet tulle maxi adorned with ethereal organza blossoms.
The models graced the scene adorned in colossal cone hats reminiscent of trulli roofs, exuding an aura of whimsical charm. Evoking the aura of yesteryears, Monica Vitti-inspired headscarves elegantly tamed their tresses, accompanied by net market bags and woven baskets, mirroring the timeless essence of Tanya McQuoid’s vision. Mediterranean allure permeated the transparent layers of tulle, chiffon, organza, and lace, juxtaposed against ebony lingerie. Yet, the crown jewels of this spectacle were the crochet creations, a miniskirt ensemble and two dresses fashioned in collaboration with Alberobello denizens. Echoing the heartbeat of generations, the resonance of familial traditions echoed in each stitch.
Transporting the fashion elite to Puglia’s sun-soaked embrace, Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda unfolded as a true marvel. Amidst vineyards and ancient olive groves, the quintessential Italian duo orchestrated a five-day fête, engulfing Alberobello in a tempest of grandeur. A tapestry of Italian traditions, exquisite craftsmanship, and boundless love unfurled across the cobblestone streets. The crowning jewel emerged as the unveiling of the 86-piece runway opus, a symphony of splendor that began long before the first model graced the stage. Alberobello locals, dressed in time-honored attire, adorned the thoroughfares, showcasing their prowess in Puglian traditions — from crafting orecchiette pasta to harnessing leather into bridles, weaving straw baskets, and stringing rosary beads.
As enchanting as a fairy tale yet rooted in reality, the show celebrated authentic artistry. Stefano Gabbana’s declaration, “This is not a pantomime, we want to show what’s real,” echoed throughout. A chorus of voices affirmed the authenticity of the ancient crafts, weaving a tale that resonated with the very soul of Puglia. The runway, meandering through Alberobello’s picturesque heart, bore witness to models intermingling with townspeople and even livestock, casting a spell that honored the local environment. The trulli-inspired designs, an ode to Puglia’s architectural heritage, intertwined seamlessly with the collection, embodying the spirit of tradition.
In a departure from their customary extravagance, Dolce & Gabbana wove a tapestry of muted elegance, bedecked in black hues, graced with delicate veils of tulle, chiffon, organza, and lace. A harmonious dance between feminine allure and masculine sophistication, the collection echoed their profound love for Italy. Amidst the rustic charm, a pastoral scene unfolded, where goats, chickens, and baskets brimming with freshly baked bread mingled with ethereal fashion. An ode to Dolce & Gabbana’s four-decade legacy and an authentic celebration of origins, this collection marked a crescendo of Italian heritage. A chapter of couture history etched in the heart of Puglia, a true testament to passion and artistry, Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda enthralled the senses and ignited a fervor for the rich tapestry of Italian craftsmanship.
