The fashion house Dolce & Gabbana can safely be called the embodiment of Italian expression - the collections of this brand are always filled with luxurious prints, bright colors, exclusive fabrics, glamorous accents and chic decor. This brand is recognizable and unique, has its own style and millions of fans around the world. Year after year, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana embody their ideas in magnificent collections that amaze even the most sophisticated fashion lovers with an extravaganza of colors, colorful techniques and recognizable elements of truly Italian culture.
In 2021, Domenico and Stefano confirmed their genius, showing that they still manage to embody irrepressible passion, emphasized sexuality and praise of life itself in the most ordinary clothes. Is it worth clarifying that the show from a famous brand became an unforgettable show? The fall-winter 2017-2018 collection so excited the minds of fashion critics and celebrities who visited the show that they will be talking about it for a very, very long time. Well, we’ll tell you what trends Italian designers have relied on.
Ultra-feminine 3D florals from Dolce & Gabbana
Details of the Dolce-Gabbana FW-2018 show
In the 80s, when the young brand was taking its first steps towards the fashion Olympus, Dolce and Gabbana attracted not modeling business professionals, but their acquaintances, to the first designer show. This was the first attempt to declare: they create their clothes not for top models, but for ordinary people. In the new fashion year, the designers decided to return to the roots and implement this idea on an even larger scale: 140 people took to the catwalk, who had only one thing in common - their close friendship with the founders of the Dolce & Gabbana brand.
The unusual models represented a variety of nationalities, creative fields, age groups and clothing sizes. The composition turned out to be truly motley, because it was represented by grandmothers, children, sisters and brothers of celebrities, and not all of them are part of the crowd of bloggers, socialites or musical figures! This technique helped the designers convey their motto to the audience: any of us should simply be ourselves.
Abundant decor, prints and patches are the main features of the autumn-winter show
It should be noted that the ideal cut of this brand allows Dolce & Gabbana clothes to be worn not only by ideally thin models, but also by ordinary people, each of whom has their own characteristics of figure and body structure. This is supported by the show's tagline: "Real clothes for real people." However, Dolce and Gabbana shows are not called shows for nothing, so many of the models are quite recognizable media figures.
Before the start of the show, the brand carried out a large-scale PR campaign, in which it announced that at the show one could see Instagram beauties Kristina Bazan, Aimee Song, Alexandra Pereira, Russian blogger Sasha Spielberg, YouTube star Madison Beer, representative of the “golden youth” Sonia Ben, Lucky Blue Smith, businesswoman and mother of six children Stella Aminova, Amanda and Jason Harvey and many, many others. It was also unusual that some newly minted models came to the show and walked on the catwalk with their children.
Most of the outfits in the collection are entirely dedicated to predatory cats.
It cannot be said that the fashion designers decided to present something fundamentally new to the audience. However, Dolce & Gabbana is loved precisely because they harmoniously combine new trends and iconic motifs unique to this house - at the show one could see luxurious decorative techniques, avant-garde color solutions, catchy prints, embroidery, floristry and appliqués. The winter collection is so filled with summer mood that it can give a boost of positivity even on the coldest and cloudiest day.
The designers confirmed their fame as minstrels of women's fashion - the show made it clear that they are ready to endlessly sing odes to beauty and will do everything possible to emphasize the sexuality and charm of the modern girl. The collection turned out to be so complex, multi-component and differentiated that it cannot be attributed to any one style - the only common denominator of the show was the recognizable handwriting of Domenico and Stefano.
Extreme animalism from Dolce-Gabbana in outerwear and shoes
Among the most prominent trends in the collection it is necessary to name:
- gold decor in the form of embroidered and applique orders, musical notes and metallized accessories in a noble shade of aged gold;
- luxurious fur in all its forms - aristocratic fur coats, boas and jacquard coats lined with fur appeared on the catwalk;
- floral motifs in the form of garden roses beloved by designers;
- patchwork, combining the most incredible colors and textures;
- animal prints - a predatory leopard pattern is found on dresses, coats, bags, shoes and fur coats;
- natural styling and almost complete absence of decorative techniques in makeup. The only exception is bright accents on the lips;
- contrasting color scheme - the emphasis was placed on traditional home black and red, sunny gold, muted yellow and orange, as well as emerald green;
- an abundance of accessories - the traditional Dolce & Gabbana tiaras were supplemented by sports-style hats, animalistic hoods, large pendants, handbags and hard-shaped clutches;
- references to the Italian Renaissance - for example, prints that repeat artistic elements of paintings by Raphael Santi and Vittore Carpaccio;
- bright manifestations of eclecticism. Wearing looks in the same style is boring, Dolce and Gabbana think so, so they easily combine a royal fur coat and jeans with logos, a lace dress and fur Birkenstocks that look more like house slippers, a jacquard suit and sneakers, and an evening dress into a single look. and a down jacket;
- large appliqué logos in the style of the 90s, stylized playing cards and drawings from comics, which are found on bombers, coats, suits, jackets, anoraks, hats, skirts, bags and cardigans.
Now let's talk about the brightest and most memorable trends in a little more detail.
Main characteristics of the rulers
Individual appearances on the catwalk demonstrated the commonality of style and fashion finds in cut and decor. In general, “Elegance” can be an example of how to create collections from which it is easy to assemble several seasonal wardrobes for women with different tastes and preferences, while complemented by elements characteristic of the brand:
- headbands;
- flowers;
- figured and geometric bags;
- hats;
- pointed-toe loafers with rhinestone appliqué.
Designers have created not only everyday looks, but also options for going out, as well as wedding dresses.
English severity
The show opened with models of deliberately classic styles made from dense, expensive fabrics with clean, straight cut lines. The first look was presented, consisting of a black double-breasted coat with straight trousers, a wide-brimmed hat and a miniature clutch. For him and all subsequent ones, the following features turned out to be inherent:
- emphasis on the waist made with a belt or darts;
- large angular shoulders with shoulder pads;
- the visually felt heaviness of jackets and coats, which added nobility to the item;
- black and white colors and total looks;
- trouser suits with straight arrows;
- multi-layering (jacket, vest, blouse, coat, accessories, trousers, all this creates a complex multi-level, very detailed image);
- modernized bow ties and neckerchiefs.
Overall, the first line is a truly elegant hymn to feminism with a noticeable masculinization of women's clothing, but at the same time maintaining sophistication and a sense of proportion.
An interesting solution was a white cashmere coat, cut in a similar way to a 19th century men's robe. We added it with a cute veil. In addition to such a sophisticated detail, there were other charming methods designed to compensate for the severity and laconicism of the cut:
- large precious brooches with floral motifs;
- hats with huge feathers to match the outfit;
- hairpins with stones;
- patent leather shoes;
- rhinestones on bow ties;
- bright clutches;
- pins;
- berets;
- make-up with an emphasis on lips and arrows.
A frequent technique was the use of a tuxedo style in women's suits. The chic, complex black and white look, consisting of a three-piece suit (crown trousers, double-breasted jacket, vest), blouse, bow tie, heavy oversized coat and patent leather pointed loafers decorated with stones, attracted attention.
The line was completed by another layered look, but now with a top hat and in black (except for the white blouse).
Thousand and One Nights
In this section of the show, the fashion for pajama looks was played out, but chic in them became a mandatory component. The first to be presented was a model consisting of a robe dress of the most delicate peach color with fur frills and large waves of fabric. Further, the styles shown had their own interesting features that made the image unique and reminiscent of the backstage outfits of Hollywood divas from the 30s-50s. For example:
- satin, silk and chiffon;
- large lace;
- marabou feathers
The colors and fabrics for the line were chosen to create a feeling of softness and sweetness. Light candy shades received interesting names from the impresario of the show:
- shortbread “Sicilian pastries”;
- pale green "pistachio cream";
- pale blue “cassata”;
- orange and pink “marzipans”.
To give the images a less boudoir and more bohemian look, they were complemented with massive jewelry made of large translucent or transparent stones, fancy hats in the form of large bows with raised tails.
The centerpiece of the line was another robe in icy gray with fur frills.
Feline elegance
The clear and bright graphic pattern of leopard fur fits perfectly into the business casual looks of the Dolce & Gabbana collection, the fall-winter 2021 2020 Milan / VOGUE collection demonstrated that the concept of “bad taste” is a matter of surroundings, context and imposed stereotypes. The print, which had previously been favored by critics, looked stylish and relevant. It was used on closed-type items with a clear, classic cut, most often combined with black items.
With all of the above, it cannot be said that the “leopard” was not enough. For example, in the first look it occupies the central part of a fitted jacket, clutch, tights and details on shoes.
Subsequently, designers combined it with:
- gold elements;
- brocade;
- crepe;
- sparkles;
- leather inserts;
- shoes with thick, square, slightly angled heels.
There was even a total look in leopard print: a dress with a tight silhouette with dropped shoulders, tights and shoes. In another version, you can see a black trouser suit, but all accessories (belt, edging, neck scarf), as well as shoes, are decorated with an “animal” pattern.
It is worth noting that the “leopard” from Dolce&Gabbana is not bright and contrasting, but rather muted to ocher shades, reduced to one tone, which makes it easy to place it next to other colors and decor. Therefore, golden brooches looked much more powerful than airy “leopard” chiffon dresses. There were variations of the print, where black was covered with completely transparent rhinestones, or yellow was covered with gold threads.
Flowers, flowers and more flowers
The endless variety of these colorful representatives of the flora, the stories associated with them, and the often mythological origins of the relationship with plants inspired designers. The styles of this line are surprising in their variability, there are:
- sheath dresses;
- two-piece suits with a short jacket and pencil skirt;
- capes;
- flowing maxi length silhouettes.
Designers have created a range of floral dresses, with lush wreaths that simply explode with floral prints. To emphasize their volume, a special printing technique was used - decalcomania. This means that real prints were used to create the design.
Bright floral riots also appear on formal tweed suits, often wedged into a geometric grid. The contrast of such appliqués and classic prints gives a playful mood to the look. The symphony of shades is complemented by large translucent stones. The finishing touches to the floral bows were:
- bright miniature handbags;
- hats with feathers;
- large earrings.
Revisiting classic prints
Houndstooth, check, polka dot, stripe – in this line, fashion designers played well, draping and tightening, using both deliberately retro looks with wide shoulders and loose casual modernity.
The usual strict looks were rethought, they added socks, flat shoes, overly large camp-style cat-eye glasses decorated with rhinestones, sequins, velvet berets, men's felt hats, pillboxes, gold pins and brooches.
"Precious" shades
The magical charm of stones - ruby, emerald, amethyst, citrine and sapphire are embodied in the colors of this line.
Each outfit is a jewel, passed through the perception of fashion designers. The line opened with a look consisting of a dress and an elongated ruby-colored cape. Then “malachite” walked down the catwalk, and it was not only the shade of the sheath dress, but also the pattern characteristic of this mineral, which adorned the handbag and shoes.
Among the materials of the “stone” line, the predominant ones are:
- alpaca;
- mohair;
- cashmere;
- satin
Capes, midi dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and formal coats have become popular styles. The looks are complemented by massive jewelry, flowers in the hair, and inlaid clutches.
Collage
The fair sex is well aware of the existence of female vanity, which pushes them into uncharted fashion territories in order to better express themselves. The opportunity to be noticed will be ensured by images printed on a coat, suit or dress using the collage technique.
Dolce&Gabbana chose surreal paintings and metaphysical subjects. Such images are again a story about representatives of bohemians, their attitude to inspiration and reality.
The looks were complemented by a variety of, often crazy or very sophisticated handbags, socks and stockings, headbands and shoes in metallic colors.
Long live the bride!
The line includes 5 dresses. They are united by a full skirt with a crinoline, lace and floral elements in the decor, since Dolce&Gabbana believe that on their wedding day every woman should feel like a princess who is going to meet a handsome prince.
However, some models are shortened (just below the knee), but the last option is the triumph of full skirts with a hem stretching across the floor and a long veil train.
Sequins and brocade
Everything needs to shine to illuminate a true diva. Total shimmer was added to skirts, jackets, jumpers, dresses, suits.
This line featured checkerboard print, chevrons and brocade, which looks perfect with sparkles, giving it a regal look. At the same time, strict styles of suits, men's hats, sheath dresses, capes and coats are still used.
Brocade items in many versions have embossing, floral prints and delicate shades. It seems that the materials and decor of the Renaissance have been applied to a modern cut. This was emphasized by shoes with buckles and bows that completely covered the instep. This type of shoes was presented both with heels and flats.
Sicilian black
Total black is one of the hallmarks of the Dolce&Gabbana brand, which was again demonstrated at the winter-autumn 2019-2020 show. Black brings contrast, dramatizes the image, and gives it a fatal touch. Therefore, it contains many dresses from this collection, tailored to fit the figure with a deep round or square neckline.
But besides them, midi skirts, suits, and evening dresses were demonstrated. Black elegance from Dolce&Gabbana is something that can be worn every day, only adorned with the right accessories. The decor used by the craftsmen themselves was:
- lace-mesh;
- miniature gold “bags”;
- large white buttons;
- translucent socks-gaiters;
- veils;
- rhinestones;
- massive gold jewelry;
- huge brooches (often depicting the signature bee).
Dolce and Gabbana - autumn-winter 2019-2020 surprised and pleased: the women's collection is distinguished by the attention to detail, the photos only prove this. The images were created in such a way that from a distance they are perceived as classic and universal, but the more nuances become noticeable, the more interesting they seem. In addition to well-executed styles, fashion designers showed how important it is to correctly distribute the “load” in a look, lightening complex mixes with playful and frivolous accents.
Trend #1: Leopard print
Stylish leopard print clothing is an absolute hit of the fall-winter 2018 season
. Natural patterns found on turtle shells, snake skin or zebra skin have always been and will be a source of inspiration for designers. In 2021, leopard print has become the most popular, which looks great on any material and can maximize the natural sexuality of a girl. Most fashion designers preferred to lower the degree of aggressive sexual message, giving the leopard muted colors and creating extremely laconic products, but not Dolce & Gabbana!
It seems that this fashion house is only happy with the opportunity to attract maximum attention to its collection. Predatory motifs were presented in all their glory - translucent dresses, suits, bomber jackets, down jackets, tuxedos and even tights acquired leopard print. However, the designers decided not to stop there! Stylized images of the faces and silhouettes of leopards settled on bags, shoes, sweatshirts, coats and dresses made of black lace.
Trend #2: Patchwork
Patchwork products have become a must-have for any self-respecting fashionista.
2018 has shown that the shocking and catchy patchwork trend is not going to leave the top of the fashion hit parade. Of course, someone might say that this trend is not new - reincarnations of the “patchwork” technique occur with enviable regularity. However, the craze for the boho-chic style suggests that these techniques will be in the design arsenal for a long time.
The latest show from Dolce & Gabbana clearly demonstrated that Italian fashion designers decided to elevate patchwork to a fashion absolute. Fur coats, suits, jeans, dresses and jackets were boldly sewn using the patchwork technique. The only concession that the fashion designers made is that they slightly tamed the catchy technique with laconic cut lines and simplicity of the model.
Otherwise, the designers did not hesitate to give free rein to their imagination - they easily and freely combined contrasting gold and red colors, sewed dresses from thousands of scraps, combined multi-colored and multi-pile fur in fur coats, used fabrics with geometric and floral prints in one product, creating masterpieces, worthy fashion artists.
The most beautiful patterns in the Dolce&Gabbana Fall/Winter 2018-2019 Collection I Love Maiolica
Traditional prints for the brand are used here. I won’t say that I like all the patterns, but some are really okay. Long dresses and bags are especially chic - just look at those pencils and pom-poms! It's a beauty :)
Pay attention to the filming - in almost every frame, greenhouse workers appear randomly - briefly, not completely, as if disrupting the composition. As for me, this technique is intended to show the reality and accessibility of the fashion industry - here, nearby, while someone is working and minding their business, models are posing in dresses from the new collection.
Trend #3: Fur abundance
Lush fur coats are a true classic of the autumn-winter season.
In 2021, designers proclaimed the unconditional primacy of fur, using this luxurious material to sew not only traditional fur coats and sheepskin coats, boas and muffs, but also bags, as well as the decor of dresses, skirts and shoes. The autumn-winter collection from Dolce & Gabbana, like any other clothing show for the cold season, could not do without exquisite furs.
Multi-texture reigns on the catwalk - fur coats from Italian designers are sewn using the trendy patchwork technique, decorated with stylish feather decor and complemented with voluminous flowers. The fur coats, presented in a natural monochrome of milky and black colors, look royally luxurious, but the most striking accent of the collection is the items with kitschy leopard print. However, not a single leopard was harmed - the fur coats were made of artificial materials that skillfully imitated the natural pattern.
In addition, fashion designers decorated handbags and comfortable Birkenstock slippers with fur inserts, and also lined jacquard coats with fur. The highlight of the show was a fur total look, and the models were asked to imitate one of the representatives of the animal world - leopard print vests were complemented by printed shoes, handbags and fur hats in the shape of a leopard's face. If you don’t like such bright colors, you can transform into another predator - for example, a polar bear or a panther.
Suits, trench coats and dresses Dolce & Gabbana 2018-2019: religious theme
This is not the first time that the duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana has addressed a religious theme, and the use of church symbols has repeatedly caused heated discussion in society. In the fall-winter 2018-2019 collection, designers again challenged the church. First, the show. The podium itself was decorated in Baroque style and looked like the entrance to the Oratorio di Santa Cita church, which is located in Palermo.
Secondly, the collection itself. It was pure grotesquery and a game of contrasts! The use of crosses, stylization of individual parts of priestly vestments, angels as decoration. “Blasphemy,” you might say. “Not at all,” the designers will answer, rather a hint that you shouldn’t create an idol for yourself.
“I believe in God and go to church before every show. But I take it easy, I don’t need external tinsel to talk to him,” says Stefano Gabbana.
D&G show in Milan. Coat with embroidery from the fall-winter 2018-2019 collection
Coat with crosses from the fall-winter 2018-2019 Dolce & Gabbana collection
Blue suit with angels. Collection FW 2018-2019 D&G
Bag from the autumn-winter collection 2018-2019 D&G
Sweater with an angel from the fall-winter collection 2018-2019 Dolce and Gabbana
But the designers did not limit themselves to church motifs, taking into account the pompous palace setting, with its overly luxurious interiors and no less luxurious outfits of the inhabitants. Therefore, satin suits, corsets, and camisoles appeared in the collection.
Pink coat with embroidery from the autumn-winter collection 2018-2019 Dolce & Gabbana
Creamy pink suit from the D&G fall-winter 2018-2019 collection
Blue coat with red fur. Collection autumn-winter 2018-2019 D&G
Red satin suit from the fall-winter 2018-2019 D&G collection
Black floor-length dress with a corset. Fall-winter collection 2018-2019 from Dolce & Gabbana
Blue corduroy jacket from the autumn-winter collection of Dolce&Gabbana
There was also room for irony in this collection - animal prints, bright inscriptions, colored fur...a down jacket in the shape of a zebra...
Coat with colored fur and angels. Dolce & Gabbana collection fall-winter 2018-2019
Suit with sequins and bright appliqués Dolce & Gabbana
Denim jacket with bright fur in pop art style from Dolce & Gabbana
Red suit with white fringe. Collection FW 2018-2019 D&G
Fashion Devotion collection of the Dolce&Gabbana brand
Zebra coat from Dolce&Gabbana. Collection FW 2018-2019
And a few slightly less pompous, but equally elegant and feminine images, see photo:
Black dress with lace sleeves. Collection autumn-winter 2018-2019 D&G
D&G Bodycon Black Draped Dress
Black suit from the D&G autumn-winter collection 2018-2019
Black midi skirt from the fall-winter collection 2018-2019 Dolce & Gabbana
White floral dress
Trend #4: Sheer dresses
Light provocative transparency in 2021 outfits is only encouraged!
Linen style does not give up its positions even in the winter fashion of 2018. Of course, this trend can be called risky, overly frank and even indecent, but more and more girls are trying on “naked” slip dresses and outfits made from several layers of transparent lace.
Dolce & Gabbana have once again proven that any item of their authorship, even if it is just a black dress, can be remembered and make its owner extremely attractive. That is why they presented quite a lot of outfits, devoid of the usual decor of rhinestones and embroidery.
A transparent dress from a famous brand is distinguished by exquisite draperies, the use of the finest lace, and the presence of a bow tie or a strict collar, which are usually used in outfits in the style of an office dress code. However, the collection was not without transparent fabrics with prints, which helped create flirty and bohemian outfits - the fashion designers chose for them a pattern in the form of blooming roses and cute puppies.
Trend #5: Royal luxury
Tiara crowns are a signature feature of the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house.
Not every brand can afford to be as luxurious as Dolce & Gabbana. However, each fashion house has its own traditions, which they religiously observe and transfer from one collection to another. For Italians, such a thematic technique is the emphasized use of the most expensive textures, prints and accessories that refer us to the era of kings and queens.
In 2021, designers raised women to unattainable heights, deciding that emphasized sexuality should not make a girl accessible - on the contrary, she should be elevated to the status of a real VIP person. The materials that best correspond to the spirit of aristocracy are the richest black and emerald velvet, iridescent jacquard and shiny silk.
Many products are strewn with a scattering of Swarovski crystals, sparkling in the spotlight like precious diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Golden tiaras, which embodied the best examples of the crowns of medieval monarchs, were intended to emphasize the high status of fashionistas, and prints in the form of imperial regalia were occasionally found on coats and jackets.
Trend No. 6: Family look outfits
Common motifs in the clothes of mothers and daughters are what many respect for this brand.
Family look has recently gained incredible popularity - more and more children's collections cease to be emphatically infantile and exactly repeat trends from adult shows. A consistent approach when choosing an outfit and accessories for a trip to a restaurant or a walk in the park is not just a highlight that demonstrates that you and the children have similar clothes, but also a way to show that your family is a single and harmonious whole.
Dolce & Gabbana made the show family-friendly, so moms and dads walked the catwalk with their sons and daughters, wearing identical outfits with exactly the same textures, fabrics, colors and decor. Stella Aminova and her daughters paraded in exquisite dresses with a print of garden roses, and Amanda and Jason Harvey, with babies in their arms, showed incredible suits and dresses.
Spectacular show of the Dolce&Gabbana collection with drones
But this time the designers surprised not only with their collection, but also with their presentation. How do you like this? Instead of models, the show was opened by drones with bags attached to them.
The show began with a request to turn off wi-fi on gadgets, then they spent a long time and carefully checking whether the request was fulfilled. The intrigue continued for a full 45 minutes, then drones flew onto the podium.
For example, in 2015, the brand’s models walked onto the catwalk with their phones and took selfies during the show. We won’t be surprised that in a couple of years robots will appear on the catwalk instead of models. And what? Everything is possible!
Trend #7: Floristry
Pink buds on clothes are a manifestation of the Dolce & Gabbana corporate style
. Floral print will probably never go out of fashion. In different years it can be used to a greater or lesser extent, giving preference to bouquets of wildflowers, small floral patterns, large single buds, leaves or intertwining vines, but it is simply impossible to completely abandon it. It is this pattern that imparts maximum femininity and romance to any item of women’s wardrobe.
In 2021, designers decided to use the full variety of floral designs - in new collections, buds can look like abstract drawings, repeat traditional motifs used in upholstery fabrics and wallpaper, or resemble watercolors or primitivist paintings from the 60s. Well, Dolce & Gabbana can be called almost the only designers who never betray floristry in their collections.
In the autumn-winter show, the Gardens of Eden bloom on dresses, fur coats, coats, sweatshirts and suits. The main flower this time was a garden rose - the buds and fully blossomed flower cups look great on a white and black background. Flowers in the 2018 collection come in a wide variety of designs. In addition to the usual prints, one could see applique 3D flowers completely covering sweaters, coats and dresses, floral brooches, floral silk-screen printing and embroidery.
