© Mark Blower
Since 1985, fans of baroque maximalism have adored Dolce & Gabbana for the magnificence of its floral and theatrical creations, its goldsmith-level craftsmanship, and its captivating storytelling, a true signature of the Sicilian-style Dolce Vita. After a resounding success in Milan, the XXL exhibition “From the Heart to the Hand” is taking over the Grand Palais until March 31, promising a marvelous journey through Italy. Let’s be clear: this is the fashion event not to miss this winter.
Un pò di storia
Founded by Sicilian Domenico Dolce and Milanese Stefano Gabbana, D&G has embodied the quintessence of Italian opulence and audacity since 2012, with the launch of their Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria lines. Recently, through striking campaigns and fashion shows (Alberobello in 2023, the Capri 2024 collection inspired by a 60’s Dolce Vita aesthetic…) as well as iconic muses (Monica Bellucci, Miley Cyrus, Leon Dame…), the luxury house continues to tell a unique and powerful story with each collection, transcending eras and the arts.
At the Grand Palais, across 10 rooms, each offering its own visual and sound universe, the eye is captivated by over 200 dresses, extraordinary masculine silhouettes worthy of the MET Gala, hundreds of handcrafted accessories, and even furniture and antiques. The house’s diverse and artistic inspirations—blending religion, painting, architecture, performing arts, and interior design—are palpable. The mastery of structuring, embroidery, ornamentation, and lace positions the designers at Dolce & Gabbana as true magicians, seamlessly blending ancestral techniques with visions of the future. Moreover, on-site, visitors can admire the house’s embroiderers, specially relocated for the occasion, working live from their ephemeral workshop.
Dazzling Creations
Among our favorites is the “Divine Mosaics” room, showcasing pieces inspired by Byzantine, Arab, and Norman aesthetics, where the work with sequins, volume, and patchwork is truly remarkable. The “Architectural and Pictorial” room, on the other hand, mesmerizes with its explosion of colors reminiscent of Renaissance stained glass and the creators’ deep admiration for Moroni, Da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli.
Finally, the “At the Heart of Milan” space reveals probably THE masterpiece of the exhibition: an incredible golden macramé lace dress. With its hemispherical skirt and filigree gold jewelry, it evokes both the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Madonnina atop the Duomo, a symbol of beauty transcending the world.
In short, visitors travel through Italy across all eras, capturing fleeting moments in the life of a feminine and powerful madonna, simultaneously a mourning widow, a red-carpet star, and an immortal Greek goddess. We’ll stop here to avoid spoiling the many surprises awaiting visitors in this sumptuous must-see exhibition.
Open daily from January 10 to March 31, 2025, Saturday to Wednesday from 10 am to 7:30 pm, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 10 pm. Admission: €22, audioguide (French, English, Italian): €6. Online booking available.
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