Dolce&Gabbana is currently one of the world’s most fabulous and well-known luxury fashion houses. The Italian duo, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have created a fashion brand that not only dominates Milan fashion week but many high society and red carpet events. It was Dolce who taught Gabbana the art of designing in his early years which led to the formation of Dolce and Gabbana, the fashion brand.
Their first women’s collection was launched in 1985 however proved disappointing in sales. Dolce’s family funded their second collection and kick-started their third. Their real success came in their fourth collection which attracted the Italian fashion market and paved way for advertising campaigns. After launching knitwear, lingerie and beachwear lines in the 1980s and 1990s they soon began exporting their products to Japan and the US. In 1990, their focus changed to original high-end pieces which launched them into the spotlight after Madonna wore a Dolce&Gabbana corset and jacket from the brand at the Cannes film festival. Madonna soon became their muse and they continued designing costumes for her world tour into the early 2000’s alongside establishing their menswear and perfume lines which were launched in 1992. With the world’s most iconic music artist wearing these designs they soon attracted other starlets such as Beyoncé and Kylie Minogue.
The fashion house held two individual lines up until 2012, Dolce&Gabbana and D&G but merged in order to strengthen the brand. This combined individual, high-end pieces with the young and flamboyant pieces found in their D&G line, alongside watches, make up, eyewear and purses. They diversified into many different areas, one notable collaboration being with Motorola in producing the gold V3i mobile phone with the D&G logo imprinted (I know you all remember this!).
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Season after season Dolce&Gabbana dominated the Milan catwalks producing not only an exquisite collection but a magical show. Whilst AW13 saw a regal theme throughout the collection, including crowns and religious imagery, SS14 has combined history with modernity producing one of my favourite collections to date.
Compare this collection with the Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear: D&G Women Collection
Trends HOT from the catwalk
Colour me beautiful
Colour was hot on the catwalk throughout SS14 fashion week but it was the one and only Dolce&Gabbana who mobilized colour and pattern clashing. Whilst some designers believe orange, for example, was a little to overpowering to be excessively accessorized D&G thought the complete opposite. Using a range of textures, prints and cuts, experimentation was clearly present on this catwalk. If colour was not enough, Domenico and Stephano went where no other designers had dared to go. Not only were pieces over the top and filled with extravagance, they created a new vision, a new type of girl- one who is bright, bold, beautiful and a risk taker beyond limits.
Get inspired from Spring 2014 Ready-To-Wear: Burberry Prorsum Women Collection
A step back in history
Dolce&Gabbana have taken prints to a whole new level. Last season, they used iconic religious imagery which was printed onto their metallic ensembles. Although this season ensembles in this category are a little more understated, in terms of sparkle, the prints are outstanding. They have managed to use historical landmarks, emblems and pictures to create show-stopping and ultimately chic outfits that channel what can only be described as a Grecian goddess alter ego. They have alternated and experimented with the extent to which these patterns are used, for example this gorgeous all over shift dress in contrast to this printed top with polka midi skirt. This proves that although prints can be a little overpowering this does not mean that they can only be combined with plain, block-coloured pieces as expected.
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Florals
Florals are the epitome of any SS14 collection. Many designers, such as Erdem, excel at this trend but only a few master it. As we saw with Giovanna Battaglia’s, Dolce&Gabbana met ball gown on Monday, the designs of this fashion house are complimenting and eye-catching to the wearer and the viewer and florals are nothing but a work of art. These designers can only be classed as intricate and exquisite with great detail being entwined with each individual piece. Paired with a statement belt, which also channels historical dress, these outfits are feminine and innocent yet bold.
Photo by Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene
Giovanna Battaglia wearing D&G
Day to night
This trend is my favourite from the whole collection and portrays a transformation from day to night looks. I am obsessed with the cuts of all six pieces believing they are flattering and elegant. Using such beautiful tailoring makes the ensembles sophisticated, chic and powerful with appropriate and a darling choice of colours for day pieces and something a little more sparkly and glamorous for night. Dolce&Gabbana channel the perfect working girl, all day at the office, but a social butterfly at night. I love the lack of length throughout the whole collection which reaffirms one of my favourite notions that high society does not mean ball gowns that drown you and hairstyles good enough for weddings. The outfits look effortless and ravishing. Once again Dolce&Gabbana have portrayed their mastery. Their AW14 collection was also just as impeccable- keep your eyes out darlings.
Enjoy the SS14 D&G Milan Fashion Week Show
Photo source: Indigital
Feature image: pexels.com
Do you like D&G?
Comment below and let us know which trend you like more and why!
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