Dolce & Gabbana's exclusive Alta Moda line celebrated its 10th anniversary in Italy this July. This spectacle of fashion, culture, and Italian artisanship rightfully drew crowds following this year's fashion week in Paris.
The History
Alta Moda is the Dolce & Gabbana version of haute couture. It is much more than extravagant clothing, it is also a lifestyle. Most importantly, it is a tribute to Italian craftsmanship and tailoring traditions. Each piece is custom-tailored for clients. Everything is made in Italy, and most everything comes straight from their Milan laboratorio. Alta Moda has grown its client list to 750 in the past decade.
The Celebration
Going back to their roots, Dolce & Gabbana hosted the four-day event in Sicily, in southern Italy. Much of it was held on Ortigia island. Truly showcasing the Alta Moda lifestyle, there was a concert in an ancient Greek theater and a luxurious dinner on the beach followed by fireworks and dancing. Naturally, there were plenty of opportunities for guests to showcase their favorite Dolce & Gabbana pieces. However, the pinnacle of the celebration was undoubtedly the Alta Moda show.
Alta Moda
The show was hosted in the historic Duomo Square in front of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Syracuse. The show began with a performance of Cavalliera Rusticana, a classic Italian opera about love and betrayal. 106 looks were shown, most of which were inspired by Dolce & Gabbana's favorite muse, the Sicilian woman. It's about the Sacro [sacraments], about the Fede [faith], about the family, about Sicily, and—so important—it's about black,
said Dolce. Lace, pearls, appliques, and metallics were in abundance on the runway. The finale look was a red taffeta opera cape with an impressive 12-foot train.
Alta Sartoria
Alta Sartoria, the menswear arm of Alta Moda, was showcased in the seaside town of Marzamemi. The theme of the show drew inspiration from a local legend about sunken treasure and a damsel in distress. Models paraded jeweled corsets, voluminous blouses, and tall boots down the runway. With just as many rhinestones, lamé, and romantic shapes as Alta Moda, Dolce & Gabbana seem to be pushing the boundaries of what menswear can be. They pointed out that both women and men are currently shopping in menswear collections.
The People
Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce have a knack for attracting devotees among the rich and famous. Helen Mirren, Lupita Nyong'o, and Sharon Stone all graced the event. Emma Roberts, Ciara, and Heidi Klum were also spotted in the festivities. Representing the men were Christian Bale and Casey Affleck. Of course, everyone was decked out in their favorite Dolce & Gabbana pieces. Mariah Carey stole the show with an ultra-fitted majolica-print gown and a tiara.
With the growing popularity of vintage opulence in the fashion world, it will be interesting to watch how Dolce & Gabbana incorporate that into their future works. Founded in 1985, the brand is no stranger to those themes. We can expect that Alta Moda's client list will only grow longer.
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