PARIS (AP) — Dolce & Gabbana, the renowned Italian design duo, have made history by showcasing their creations in Paris for the first time in their 40-year career. This marks a significant moment as Paris, known as the birthplace of haute couture, is now playing host to a powerful Italian presence in the world of luxury fashion. The exhibit titled “Du Coeur a la Main” (From the Heart to the Hand), curated by Florence Müller, aims to deliver a clear message: “Yes, Italy does it too.”
Spanning from January 10 to March 31, this landmark exhibition serves not only as a tribute to Italian craftsmanship but also as a celebration of the interconnectedness of the fashion world. Müller emphasized the global nature of couture, highlighting how techniques like embroidery, lace, and brocade have origins that predate the emergence of Parisian couture in Italy, India, and beyond.
Taking up a space of 1,200 square meters in the newly renovated Grand Palais, the display showcases over 200 looks from Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections, along with 300 handcrafted accessories and Sicilian ceramics. The exhibit is divided into 10 themed rooms that delve into the artistic inspirations behind the duo’s creations.
The collection exudes a baroque grandeur, characterized by its maximalist approach and intricate embellishments. One of the standout pieces is a gown inspired by Murano glass from Venice, adorned with glass mosaics by Orsoni Venezia 1888, the artisans responsible for the golden mosaics at St. Mark’s Basilica. Müller described it as a fusion of textile and sculpture, showcasing the craftsmanship elevated to an art form.
The exhibition places a spotlight on opera, with pieces like a black velvet gown embellished with gold capturing the essence of Bellini’s Norma, and a romantic blue dress evoking the sentiments of Verdi’s La Traviata. Iconic figures like Sophia Loren and Naomi Campbell are honored through larger-than-life paintings. Classical Italian opera and traditional Sicilian melodies create a dramatic soundtrack, adding layers of depth to the experience.
Beyond the finished pieces, the exhibition also features live demonstrations by five seamstresses from Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan atelier, showcasing the intricate process of crafting bodices, bustiers, and corsets. Müller emphasized that this showcase goes beyond fashion—it is a display of art in motion.
The heart of the collection lies in Sicily, the birthplace of Domenico Dolce. Traditional Sicilian elements like hand-painted carts, ceramics, and lace-making techniques are interwoven with haute couture. The exhibit sheds light on the global influences often overlooked in the fashion industry, emphasizing the historical exchange of luxury goods and artisanal craftsmanship between regions.
Challenging the notion of Italian and French fashion as rivals, the exhibition highlights the shared craftsmanship and artistry between
A Parisian salon is currently hosting an exhibition that goes beyond couture to showcase the diversity of “Made in Italy.” Among the spotlighted items are everyday products such as Smeg refrigerators and coffee presses that have been reimagined with a touch of D&G sophistication, embodying the essence of Italian artisanship by turning practical objects into artistic masterpieces. “Fashion is a form of art. It serves as a source of inspiration, a spectacle that ignites our imagination. Regardless of whether one wears it once or never at all, its intrinsic value lies in its aesthetic appeal rather than its functionality,” remarked Müller, a prominent figure associated with the event.
When questioned about the apparent exaggeration of the elaborate gowns on display – many of which appear impractical for regular street wear – Müller simply responds with a grin, “And why not?”
