On a balmy evening in Italy’s capital, the ancient Roman Forum became the setting for the latest in Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda programme. And you couldn’t get much more Roman than the armoured golden breastplates, flowing toga-style dresses and full, flared printed skirts featuring the city’s celebrated artworks and monuments. There were also pieces made of floating fabrics that referenced the layered veils of the ancient religious order of Vestal Virgins and glamorous mid-length fitted or flared gowns evoking the 1950s dolce vita period of the city when it played host to American movie stars.
Alta Moda, meaning High Fashion, is Dolce & Gabbana’s couture collection. Its annual presentation has become a cultural exchange between a historic Italian place and the design duo based in Milan. In the past, the shows have been staged in important Italian cities such as Venice, Syracuse, Portofino, Naples and Florence; a conscious decision designed to demonstrate that it is not only the French who have a tradition of meticulously crafted, handmade clothing and accessories. Couture may have its home in France – specifically, Paris – but Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have set out to show the world that Italy has just as rich a history of this sort of hand work and is today equal to the task of keeping it alive.
‘We are delighted to bring our ideal Grand Tour [to Rome] and to celebrate its immense beauty by exploring and transmitting its heritage, culture and traditions,’ said Dolce. ‘Rome is an unparalleled international stage and we are proud to honour it,’ said Gabbana. The magic of the evening was testament to how well the designers achieved their mission.
Kitty Tucker is a London-based writer and editor
