Dear Shaded Viewers,
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have outdone themselves with their latest exhibition, a lavish celebration of Italian craftsmanship that spans three floors and takes visitors on an immersive journey through various themes. The exhibition opens with “Hand Made,” a tribute to the friendship between the designers and French-born artist Anh Duong, featuring a series of self-portraits created between 2012 and 2024 that showcase the sublime Italian craftsmanship.
As visitors move through the exhibition, they encounter the “Architectural and Pictural” room, which draws inspiration from the architecture of Palazzo Farnese in Rome and the frescoes of Annibale Carracci. This space reflects the designers’ admiration for Italian masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, and illustrates their approach to garment construction as akin to building a house.
The journey continues with the “Dream of Divinity” section, exploring the divine within us all through creations inspired by queens, gods, and goddesses. The Fall/Winter 2019-20 collection, drawing from Greek mythology, is displayed in a setting reminiscent of the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento. Adjacent to this is the “Divine Mosaics” area, showcasing collections that pay homage to the Byzantine mosaics of Monreale Cathedral and St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
Sicilian traditions take center stage in the fifth room, featuring reinterpretations of ancient motifs in modern dresses. This is followed by the stark contrast of the “White Baroque” room, with its sculptural garments inspired by the stuccowork of Giacomo Serpotta. The “Devotion” room centers around the Sacred Heart motif, symbolizing the designers’ and artisans’ dedication to excellence.
In the “Ateliers, Ornaments and Volumes” section, visitors have the rare opportunity to observe and interact with skilled artisans at work. The exhibition then delves into cinematic inspiration with “The Leopard” room, reimagining scenes from Luchino Visconti’s iconic film set in Sicily.
The journey culminates with “In the Heart of Milan,” featuring a stunning gold macramé lace dress that pays homage to the city where all the Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria collections are crafted. The final rooms explore the designers’ passion for opera and the art of glassworking, with the latter showcasing exquisite crystal embroidery and Murano mirror-making traditions.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors are treated to a multisensory experience, with carefully curated soundscapes and perfumed atmospheres enhancing each themed area. This extraordinary showcase not only celebrates the rich history of Italian craftsmanship but also demonstrates Dolce & Gabbana’s unwavering commitment to preserving and elevating these time-honored traditions.
Later,
Diane
Curated by Florence Muller
Scientific Committee
Mons. Alberto Rocca
Cav. Dott. Franco Cologni
Scenography
Agence Galuchat
Location
Grand Palais January 10 – March 31
IG: dolcegabbana_exhibit
