Dolce and Gabbana snuck onto the MFW schedule today in a dramatic move that would put the grandest of prima donnas to shame, because, well, they are a duo that know a thing or two about making an entrance. In the perfect feminised counterpart to their memorable menswear show back in June, every last touch was as scorching red as a rose from La Isla Bonita.
Opting not to deviate from the aesthetic that has been so successful for D&G during their past few seasons, the designers presented their idealised and sensationally romantic view of Sicily’s Spanish heritage. The born and bred Italians, however, do Latin lust, in a variety of incarnations, very well, putting on a galvanising spectacle that no one else on the schedule could possibly even attempt to compete with.
Leave Sicilian Baroque to Dolce is the message, and the industry could hark it loud and clear today. As for the collection, the flamenco burnt on in an overwhelming 83 piece flurry of matador capes, stiff bullfighter shirts and ornate buxom bodices, coming on thick, fast and lovingly in an ode to Sicilian hospitality.
Still, don’t let all of the blazing emotion allow for one of the most important points you should take from this show to slip by, these are all highly practical items of clothing that can and should be worn with the utmost assurance; who could say no to clothes that enrich the mind, body and soul like D&G’s do? Better yet, this collection contains a jackpot of classic black pieces, from more trend-aware frilled-lace pieces to a matriarchal Italian LBD, the height of mambo Italiano elegance. It’s a presentation like this which reminds us again why D&G are the ultimate force in continental chic and then comes the slightly staggering truth that another Dolce & Gabbana will probably never grace fashion ever again. There’s an eye-opener for you. Nevertheless, just rejoice that they are here for us now and as long as they remain at the top of their game, the industry will always have some level of passion. Stefano said it all backstage when he exclaimed “I want to have passion!”, and that’s all you need to know for S/S.
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Style.com