Simply Abu Dhabi XXIX

STEFANORICCI S tefano Ricci devoted its Spring/Summer 2018 collection to the eternal beauty of Matera—an Italian and world heritage site since 1993— that has been elected as the European Capital of Culture in 2019. As always, the collection is characterised by the presence of Ricci Blue, of blacks illuminated by textures and patterns, with the surfaces rippled by irregularities, recalling the craftsmanship and the intensity of the natural form in the linen and the silk. White is dominant in the palette of tones, and beige, so similar to the one of Matera’s stone buildings. The colour range also includes flashes of delicate red, the firm blue of southern Italy’s sky, and the burnt sienna of the arid hills on which men, with dynamic and determined energy, managed to build this world heritage site. Single-breasted two-button jackets, lean double-breasted suits with sleek and enticing lines, and waistcoats are all matched with light shirts and ties, with motifs that recall geometric engravings. The laced shoes in matted crocodile are coupled with belts, with buckles decorated with the triumphant eagle, symbol of the Florentine Maison. The Maison also presented slim trousers, close-fitting jeans and light leather jackets, ideal for a leisure wear spirit. The collection is a fusion between formal and two-piece looks—the serious style is balanced with the comfort of the soft knitwear and of the feather-light sneakers. DOLCE&GABBANA I n the last few seasons, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have changed the way they approach fashion. The Italian fashion duo has always been more inclusive than “exclusive”. The designers have started to celebrate the shift in focus by collaborating with young and successful men and women, engaging the phenomenon of the Millennials. It’s thanks to them that boys like Cameron Dallas, Austin Mahone, Brandon Thomas Lee and Maluma, or American Viners like Twan Kutper and Juanpa Zurita, have become increasingly recognised and demanded by fashion brands as a target market to which they can approach, enlarging their business. Domenico and Stefano have used millennials as models for their Spring/Summer 2018 show. The collection they presented is named the King of Hearts. Dolce &Gabbana’s playful King of Hearts is young and multifaceted—a young man who is part of a new generation that is constantly seeking the freedom of expression. This means that to be a “king” or a leader, you don’t need to be old and bearded, but instead you have to be young and boast fresh new ideas to bring to the world and carve out a place within it. The show is noteworthy for its cosmopolitism and multiformity. For D&G, there is not only “one” trend or “style” for the season but many of them: logomania, a new interpretation of pyjamas, prints and colour blocking—all of them are back and all mixed together. The prints, that appeal for their vibrancy, feature playing cards with an oriental influence.