As twilight settled over the Roman Forum, history and haute couture collided in spectacular fashion. Dolce & Gabbana unveiled its latest Alta Moda collection on the legendary Via Sacra—the oldest street in Rome—staging a show that was as much a celebration of the Eternal City as it was a masterclass in theatrical luxury.

Surrounded by crumbling temples and millennia-old ruins, the designers transformed the Forum into an open-air dreamscape. Guests were welcomed by actors dressed as Roman soldiers, toga-clad nobles, vestal virgins, and even a posing Julius Caesar, all mingling with the brand’s couture clientele. The crowd—over 450 loyal clients from around the globe—arrived dressed to impress, competing in high jewelry and hand-sewn creations under the golden glow of Rome’s setting sun.

Ancient Inspirations, Cinematic Flair

This season’s Alta Moda collection paid tribute to two powerful forces: the timeless beauty of Ancient Rome and the flamboyant elegance of mid-century Italian cinema. One observer noted the atmosphere felt more Satyricon than La Dolce Vita—and they weren’t wrong.

The show opened with a rich red velvet cape atop a strapless dress embroidered with Rome’s Capitoline wolf in sequins. What followed was a parade of imperial silhouettes: sculpted golden corsets that resembled Roman armor, draped gowns inspired by classical statues, and structured velvet dresses in regal shades of purple and gold.

Some pieces leaned toward minimalism—a rare move for Dolce & Gabbana—with boldly colored gowns styled simply with engraved brass belts bearing Latin mottos like Veni Vidi Vici. Others dazzled with baroque detail: micro-pleated chiffon, hand-cut tulle, and embroidered busts echoing ancient sculpture.

There was also a generous nod to the silver screen. Flowing chiffon capes in turquoise and orange channeled Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra, while cinched-waist silhouettes and voluminous skirts evoked the elegance of 1950s Rome. Each look was a marriage of past and present, mythology and movie star, ruins and runway.

Rome, At Last

Despite having showcased previous Alta Moda collections in cities like Venice, Naples, Portofino, and the Sicilian coasts, this marked the brand’s first haute couture event in Rome. “Why did it take so long?” many wondered.

Seated front row beside Cher, Christian Bale, Isabella Rossellini, and Erling Haaland, Domenico Dolce took in the show from the audience before stepping out alone to take his bow—Stefano Gabbana was absent due to family matters. “These people understand beauty,” Dolce said of the Roman audience after the show.

And in return, he gave them a spectacle.

Couture Meets the Eternal City

In Rome, past and present exist in layers—modern life balanced on ancient foundations. Dolce & Gabbana leaned into that contrast, creating a collection that felt as eternal as the city itself. One standout look—a dress inspired by the Colosseum—blended architectural structure with couture softness, a quiet reminder of the show’s deeper message.

After the finale, Dolce was swarmed by clients and admirers. Later that night, during an intimate dinner, he offered a pointed take on the state of fashion: “Sometimes, fashion kills fashion,” he said. “What people want is energy—you saw that tonight.”

And energy is what he delivered: a sweeping, cinematic, emotion-filled vision of couture that honored the past without feeling trapped by it. In a world often chasing trends and algorithms, Dolce & Gabbana gave us something different—something monumental.

In Rome, where every stone tells a story, Alta Moda just wrote its own chapter.