MFW 2014: Dolce & Gabbana strikes GOLD!

©ourtesy of Sarah Harris Vogue.uk

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have had money matters on the mind of late. Those much documented tax woes manifested this afternoon in a collection that was quite literally all about the money – ancient gold coins to be precise that looked like they had been dug up on an archaeological excursion – before being polished, naturally. That excursion too, might have extended to a tour of the roman ruins, those as well were a recurring motif this afternoon. It was an imaginary journey, they said, to rediscover ancient Sicily. Coins were blown up to the size of tea plates and joined together to make impressive waist cinchers, or else chain-mailed into a jingling mini dress, while others were suspended in hoop earrings or stuck to barrettes positioned into messy up-dos.

 

Lithographs of sepia-hued, postcard-pretty crumbling columns, Greek temples and theatres were printed over silk dresses; strict and midi length and buttoned all the way up the back, or else, mini and flared with wide sleeves – two silhouettes that Dolce and Gabbana have been preoccupied with for several seasons now. Variations on those would have been welcoming to witness, in fact, there were several parallels between this collection and the duo’s autumn/winter 2013 outing where they mined the golden mosaics of Sicily’s Cathedral of Monreale (all that gold must be a winner at retail, these designers hold big appeal for the moneyed set). Those clients then, will be delighted with the gold rush finale today; golden dresses every which way – from lace to others encrusted in faceted crystals, or crafted in laser-cut leather.

But the runway backdrop – and show invitation – was a trio of blossom trees which came to life via almond tree flower prints further worked with silk petal appliqué. Sicilian ceramic decoration also popped up as borders. In addition to red lingerie slip dresses, and a surprise capsule of fluffy alpaca mini skirts and bustiers – quite where they fitted into this story who knows -  there was plenty to keep them shopping.  

 

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