Dolce&Gabbana Goes Back To Its Roots For Its Inaugural Fashion Exhibition
The brand’s first exhibition is a theatrical extravaganza that pays homage to Italy’s artisanal traditions, culture and its mystique as a ‘cradle of beauty.’
By Alexia Petsinis - published
When does a garment become a work of art? There’s no definitive answer, but when inspiration from the heart finds form in centuries-old artisanal traditions and immaculate craftsmanship, a creation transcends typical fashion conventions. Feast your eyes on Dolce&Gabbana’s first-ever fashion exhibition “Dal Cuore alle Mani: Dolce&Gabbana” (From the Heart to the Hands); an ode to Italian culture, heritage and artistry expressed through the artistic vision of Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce. Showing at Milan’s Palazzo Reale, the dazzling 10-room spectacle frames the house’s sumptuous Alta Moda (high fashion), Alta Sartoria (high formal wear) and Alta Gioielleria (high jewellery) masterpieces in immersive installations that enliven its creative universe. These reflect enduring inspiration from visual art, architecture, cinema, antiquity, and of course, Italian traditions.
The exhibition’s opening room celebrates the artisanal integrity of the “Fatto a Mano” (handmade) tradition, with garments from a series of Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections.
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In an ‘exhibition’ context, visitors revel in the opportunity for an intimate encounter with Dolce&Gabbana’s eye-wateringly opulent creations. Among them, Baroque-style embroidered gowns, motif-embossed coats and capes, hand-painted silk skirts and crystal-encrusted footwear we may have only ever seen for a few fleeting moments on the Alta Moda runways in locations that inspired their creative narratives including Lake Como (Alta Moda Como Collection fall/winter 2018-19), Florence (Alta Moda Firenze Collection spring/summer 2020-21) and Sicily (Alta Moda Siracusa Collection fall/winter 2022-23). True luxury, it appears, lies in the artisanal integrity of the ‘Fatto a Mano’ (handmade) tradition, which ensures that every creation bears a unique story of provenance and can never be reproduced. The exhibition’s curator Florence Müller explained:
“Guests are able to see up close the painstaking work that goes into creating each garment, from hand-embroidery to intricate lacework, highlighting Dolce&Gabbana’s commitment to preserving and celebrating traditional artisanal techniques.”
“These techniques are brought to life by skilled artisans and craftsmen from various regions, further emphasising the brand’s dedication to supporting and promoting traditional craftsmanship, while also highlighting these collaborations with various artisans whose expertise and knowledge contribute to the beauty and quality of the brand’s creations,” says Müller, who worked in close collaboration with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on the years-long process of bringing the house’s first exhibition to life.
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A rare glimpse inside the Dolce&Gabbana ‘Atelier’ reveals how modelling, tailoring, corsetry and embellishment combine to create the house’s Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria masterpieces.
From the Heart to the Hands is curated as a thematic journey through the narratives, ideas and motifs that have defined Dolce&Gabbana’s creative DNA for decades. The first few rooms pay homage to the “Handmade,” the art of Venetian glass work, Luchino Visconti’s iconic film The Leopard (1963) and Baroque traditions of sacred devotion, leading onto a glimpse inside the Dolce&Gabbana Atelier. The journey continues with collections inspired by Renaissance art and architecture, Sicilian art and artisanal traditions, and inspiration from ancient mythology, each theme an immersive ‘world’ unto itself. The ‘grand tour’ of Italy through Dolce&Gabbana’s collections concludes in the sumptuous setting of an Italian opera house, where we discover dramatic Alta Moda creations from the house’s “Milano Opera” Collection (Alta Moda Teatro dell’Opera a Milano 2019-20) that express the designers’ enduring love for the theatre. Amidst the multisensory banquet of this exhibition (which includes special collaborations with visual artists, artisans and collaborators from across Italy) we’re reminded why Dolce&Gabbana is celebrated as one of the ultimate ambassadors for “Made in Italy” artistry on the world stage.
The exhibition concludes in the spectacular ‘L’Opera’ room which evokes the passion, artistry and timeless elegance of the world of theatre.
“Dolce&Gabbana not only celebrates Italian culture, but also introduces it to a global audience, reinforcing the idea of Italy as a cradle of art and beauty. The brand also regularly collaborates with various artists, designers, and cultural institutions around the world, further extending the reach of Italian artisanship and culture. These collaborations not only promote cross-cultural exchange, but also showcase the brand’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship on a global scale,” says Müller.
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From the Heart to the Hands celebrates the allure of wearable art and ‘the handmade’ as a timeless form of visual storytelling and creative expression. The exhibition is an intimate invitation to experience the often-elusive world of Alta Moda as it’s rarely witnessed. Stitch by stitch, crystal by crystal, silhouette by silhouette, we are immersed in the artistry of Dolce&Gabbana’s universe and its enduring infatuation with the beauty, heritage and traditions of ‘bella Italia.’
“Dal Cuore Alle Mani: Dolce&Gabbana” is on from now to 31 July 2024 at Palazzo Reale Milano.