Simply Abu Dhabi XI

1 8 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I It’s not all black and white. Floral motifs that look to be from a masters’ painting are printed onto another chic suit in black. A similar pattern printed onto a gold jacket is sublime and show stopping, though the grey version might be more wearable. Needlepoint detailed designs are worked onto velvet jackets and coats. Matching shoes are available. Boys were dressed as if altar boys to contrast with a swaggering man in a huge black fur coat. Domenico Dolce’s tailoring roots – his father was a village tailor – shine through. The skills honed since the age of six have long since come of age and each successive Dolce & Gabbana collection shows ever- increasing mastery. The setting matched the Italiana theme with a catwalk hung with chandeliers and liberally garlanded with roses. That’s a far cry from their first show in October 1985 as part of Milan FashionWeek where Dolce had to supply a bed sheet from home as a stage curtain. Back then they didn’t have enough money for models and had to borrow friends, encouraging them to bring their own accessories. Humble roots for a brand that has gone on to dress Madonna, Missy Elliot, Beyoncé and the entire AC Milan team. Dolce & Gabbana might be infuriated by the furore, but, with this collection, they are clearly by no means cowed.