Simply Abu Dhabi XI

1 7 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I D espite the tax scandal back at home that is doubtless tarnishing Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s affections for their motherland, the indefatigable pair have found inspiration for yet another collection in their fecund country. After successfully drawing a group of men from Sicilian villages onto the catwalk for the Spring collection, they lured them back for Autumn to great result. Eighty-two men and boys were street-cast for the catwalk that showed the ‘devotion’ collection. Devotion in the form of Italian communities centred around their places of worship. That meant ecclesiastical lace, wide-sleeved poplin tops, priestly accents and religious iconography. It is not the first time that art has inspired the design dynamos. In 1990 they drew cues from the mythological paintings of Raphael and began to establish their reputation for crystal and gem-encrusted clothing. Printed t-shirts and Sunday best black suits with textural details. Black and white floral motifs enhance a respectful black and white suit set off by a beautiful narrow tie. A simple black tux is rendered spectacular with an overlay of white paisley in the jacket that is almost redolent of a pearly king. Gangster boss suits and extravagantly printed coats are two more of their style mainstays.