Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

2 0 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I But now, with the opening of the Alta Sartoria line, clients have tripled and the number of seamstresses has doubled. These collections and their presentations have become huge events and now take stage beyond the Italian borders: from Tokyo and Hong Kong to London and New York, Dolce & Gabbana are flourishing in this high-end exclusive market, creating desirable dresses and suits for those who can afford themwhile being unable to resist having a special unique piece. Each time the designers have presented their Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria (High Craftsmanship) collections, they have been inspired by the location they have chosen as their main theme and inspiration. This time they presented their Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collection together on the same day at the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City. The collection was shown on the top floor sculpture gallery of the museum, which was built by the country’s wealthiest man, Carlos Slim. In this huge space, with a backdrop of Auguste Rodin’s bronze sculptures and the accompaniment of Luis Migul’s mariachi music, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana presented their collections. Host of honour of the event was Sophia Loren. ‘As good tourists,’ Stefano Gabbana declared, ‘we love to bring with us an homage to the places where we present our art. On this occasion, the best homage is our national icon— Sophia, a queen, a “mother” of the history of our country. She is an amazing woman with a charm that resembles Mexican women.’ Angelica Rivera—the Mexican singer, model and telenovela actress and wife of the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto—was there with her husband and clients from all around the world. ‘We love the folklore, people and life. When we want to pay homage to the music of the mariachi, for example, we do it because we want to highlight culture,’ said Stefano Gabbana. Both collections are a triumph and masterful mixture of colours, traditions, cultures and folklore. For the Alta Moda collection, dresses adorned with rouches intertwine with others in black lace, enlivened by a modern reinterpretation of the sombrero, the iconic Mexican hat. There are many references to Mexican culture, like Frida Kahlo, the Virgin of Guadalupe, and traditional Mexican floral and folk motifs. Bolero jackets with fringes and a romantic reference to Kahlo’s aesthetic are there: dresses in bright chiffon, coloured silk and shawls embroidered with flowers, sequined dresses, maxi-coats and fringed waistcoats also feature in the collection. For men, there was a colourful tapestry of 1970s style prints for pyjamas, metallic suits in Mexican pink and gold floral prints or tailored suits featuring a bowtie with golden buttons that recalled the mariachi outfit. The entire Mexican Alta Moda trip by Dolce &Gabbana was a true homage to the Hispanic culture and to the rich heritage of Mexico. Next stop…Lago Di Como.