Last year, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana sadly showed the last collection for their now-kaput diffusion brand, D&G. But the design duo soldiered on this year to present their first couture collection, as well as a seriously amazing fall offering. It’s been a roller coaster year for the brand, but for all the setbacks, it seems the brand has always been able to rise above. Dolce & Gabbana‘s spring 2013 collection is a clear indication of this.
The designers looked to the Sicilian town Taormina for inspiration, using the vibe and some of the local charm to inform their designs. The province’s famous turbaned planters were printed on everything from dresses to blouses, and dangled from models’ ears in the form of ornate baubles. Raffia and straw details brought a rustic glamor to the collection.
Fresco-like scenes of armored knights were printed on several key silken pieces.
The designers brought new meaning to the adage “she would look good in a burlap sack,” offering a few pieces made from potato-sack like material, re-imagined into full skirts and flirty minidresses. Tassel and floral appliqué embellishments quivered from blouses, frocks, and skirts.
More subdued looks included thickly striped pieces, as well as the brand’s signature sheer black fare.
The show concluded with some show stopping hoop skirts and corsets built from straw.
Of course, Dolce & Gabbana brought it in the accessories department, with vibrant tasseled statement earrings and necklaces, raffia-sculpted floral totes, and cute-as-a-button sandals with bamboo-crafted heels.
What a fun, lively collection! I can’t say there’s anything I don’t like, and I’m sure starlets like Zoe Saldana and Rashida Jones might grace an event or two in some of these pieces. Oh, and those turban planter earrings? They need to be mine.
What do you think?
~Jihan
Images: Dolce & Gabbana
September 24, 2012 3:01 pm
Maybe I’m biased because I’m Indian and many of these prints use Indian characters..but this is amazing, fun, and refreshing. Nice!
September 24, 2012 3:59 pm
I used to D&G being a little more sexy (lace, bustier, and animal print) but I love the accessories especially the earrings!!
September 24, 2012 4:00 pm
*I’m (typo)
September 24, 2012 4:09 pm
I’m a little troubled by these designs, and there’s a strong possiblity I’m in the minority. These designs look Asian, African and East Indian inspired. I’m a little bothered by European designers( and in general Europeans) stealing other cultures customs to make money. I would like to, for once, see a European make a design that’s well, European. I wonder what that would look like…
September 24, 2012 4:43 pm
@LaTasha I think it’s offensive when they use the print incorrectly or use religious figures in totally inappropriate places, but when you are drawing upon other cultures for artistic expression, I think that it is acceptable. We live in a global society and it is fascinating to see how far they symbols can be spread. Indian designers use other culture’s styles in their prints, such as animal print saris, or European-brocade in blouses..and trust me, they are making WAY more money than these featured designers.
What the real worry should be is WHO are making these clothes? I think that is the one question that usually gets ignored. Making big bucks off of cheap labor from Asian, Africa, and South America should be the real topic of concern. I don’t know about D&G specifically, but even when these clothes are made in Italy, they are sewn by Chinese immigrants who moved to Europe for SLIGHTLY higher wages.
September 24, 2012 4:56 pm
While, I understand and fully agree with your comment LaTasha, I wholeheartedly LOVE all of the pieces boldly reppin’ US. Its art and beautiful. I will never purchase Aldo’s or Burberry’s African inspired collection, because too often minorities and the their culture become the vehicle of capitalization. I will probably look into buying the shoes, earrings. Well done D&G!!
September 24, 2012 5:00 pm
loooooooooooooooooove!
September 24, 2012 6:45 pm
Claire I see you have a discussion at hand maybe you should do a post on how folks feel about European designers exploiting minorities and their culture for capitalization, if you haven’t done already. I’ve seen so many designers embodying African and India prints of late and I embraced it, I never really looked at it from the aspect that the persons above are coming from but it is a thought to think about. But nevertheless I am in love with these prints.
September 24, 2012 8:06 pm
i LOVE this colorful collection.
September 24, 2012 8:20 pm
Well said Janani!
September 24, 2012 9:10 pm
I’m not here for that model’s toes hanging way off of the shoe! Lol goodness. Beautiful collection though
September 24, 2012 9:21 pm
Great use of prints, colors, fabrics, everything!!
blackandolives.blogspot.com
September 24, 2012 9:41 pm
I was sooo hoping I’d click the link and like this collection, but sadly I don’t. I refuse to believe this is the work of Domenico and Stefano. They are by fav designers. Sigh!
September 25, 2012 12:04 pm
I agree with Nikkibellaray that FBD should open up a conversation about this. It should be interesting. I for one I’m not yet sure where I stand on it. I’m interested in hearing other people’s thoughts.
Blessing
September 25, 2012 2:17 pm
AHH! Seriously, LOVE at first sight.