FASHION

Dolce & Gabbana Celebrates 10 Years of Alta Moda 2022

Dolce & Gabbana presented its Alta Moda 2022 Collection in Sicily. 

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda events are always an exultant affair — a celebration of fashion, food, craftsmanship and culture — but this year, to mark 10 years since the launch of the duo’s distinctly Italian answer to haute couture, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana turned the dial up yet another notch. The show took place at the Cathedral of Syracuse, a Unesco World Heritage site in the historic centre of Sicily’s Ortigia Island.

Sicily is a special place for Dolce. He was born there. “Siracusa is a special place for us,” Gabbana explained before the show. “It is in the most southern part of Sicily, in front of Africa. I love the feeling, I love the mood, I love the stones, the colours, the people.”

The Alta Moda presentation was preceded by a re-enactment of Cavalleria rusticana, a classic Italian opera by Pietro Mascagni from the late 1800s, on a catwalk set up in front of the famed cathedral. “Tonight, we have tried to create an experience that is about the Dolce & Gabbana DNA,” said Dolce.

Backstage at Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda 2022

“Alta Moda, for me, is about surprises,” said Gabbana. “Every time we start a collection, I want to surprise myself. Every time is a challenge. I want to say something more. And I am full of curiosity.”

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

The collection featured 106 outfits appearing at the top of a set of steps as the church bells tolled. The opening look consisted of a short white dress with oversized sleeves shaped like cherubic statues. Next up, full-sized wings extending from the shoulders and voluminous, bridal-esque gowns covered in three-dimensional blooms. In a marked move away from the brand’s signature prints and vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired colour palette, the collection was rendered almost entirely in black. “If you ask someone, in their imagination, what the Sicilian woman wears, it is black,” said Gabbana.

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana

Pops of yellow, lime green, pink, red and orange cut through the otherwise sombre palette, while oversized blazer dresses were laden with gold embroidery, dazzling crystal work or floral appliques, and paired with rhinestone-covered boots or delicate, flowery tights. A hot pink micro skirt with a matching cropped jacket shimmered emphatically as the model moved, while another silver dress was befitting of a Marvel heroine.

During the show, A-List celeb like Mariah Carey, Sharon Stone, Helen Mirren, Drew Barrymore sported glamorous Dolce & Gabbana’s designs. Lupita Nyong’o, singer Ciara, Casey Affleck, Kris Jenner, Christian Bale, Monica Belluci, Heidi Klum and Vanessa Bryant were also present at the Alta Moda’s front row.

Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana
Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana