SimplyAbuDhabi IX

D olce & Gabbana is a luxury brand distinguished by its stylistic originality combined with the superior sartorial content of its creations. The strong identity of the Dolce & Gabbana brand has evolved over the years while always remaining faithful to its inherent standards. An unmistakable style, the expression of unconventional luxury which, season after season, combines strong innovation with the powerful Mediterranean flavor of its origins. This is a brand whose essence lies in its contrasting features. Womenswear The Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013 collection is inspired by Sicilian tradition. References are found on the prints depicting the famous puppets of Sicilian street theatres, the typical local barrows and peculiar wheels and the Caltagirone head-shaped ceramic vases and dishes. These elements are mixed with stripes that recall the beach umbrellas and sunbeds of local shores, thus creating the wardrobe for a hot summer. The exquisite hand-crafted workmanship of the clothes – fashioned of straw and raffia crochet, embellished with embroideries of coral – culminates with the creation of dresses, skirts and sculptural-effect midollino bustiers inspired by the classic Sicilian baskets. Fabrics are a study in contrast, combining raffia, raffia crochet, printed raffia and raffia embroidered with coral, double satin organza, embossed organza and organza net, rough printed cotton, stretch linen and cotton, gold and printed brocade. The collection includes barrow-shaped sculpted sandals, as well as flat and high-heeled midollino sandals. As for jewellery, chandelier earrings in the shape of Sicilian puppets, head-shaped ceramic vases or with the typical decorations found on Sicilian barrows, adorn the ears of the runway models, while printed silk foulards are worn as knotted head- pieces.