For Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring 2016, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana crafted a couture collection that paid homage to the splendor of Italian opera. Invited guests flew in from all corners of the world to Milan, Italy to see what the storied Italian house had dreamed up for its latest offering, which was introduced via an elaborate presentation. Here, we round-up ten things to know about the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show.
1. Once again, La Scala, Milan’s world-famous opera house, served as the backdrop for the sumptuous collection.
2. Inspiration was drawn from Italian operas and notably, the works of the composer Puccini. The opera Turandot was portrayed via crystal and gold embroidered vignettes across bodices. Meanwhile Madame Butterfly was narrated in a slew of sequined dresses featuring water lily motifs.
3. The collection also included references of the works of the Milanese couturier Biki who was known for dressing high-society opera patrons between 1940 and 1960 in the finest garments. This came across in blue, pink, and green voluminous tulle ball gowns featuring illustrated scenes.
4. Biki was also known for her love of hats and models with effortless swept back hairstyles donned ornate, larger-than-life headpieces.
5. A handful of dapper models took to the runway in sharp, three-piece tuxedos to reference male operagoers.
6. It was night at the opera indeed, even Puccini’s La Scala opera bills made an appearance through gilded embellishments and beaded embroidery on fur-trimmed coats.
7. The opera coats and cloaks were both abundant and elaborate.
8. Velvet, long-sleeved column gowns in jewel tones featured rich, gold-threaded embroidery and were followed by romantic, floral-embroidered silhouettes.
9. The beauty look featured models with bloodstained lips and luminous, radiant complexions that complemented dramatic earrings that resembled the twinkling chandeliers overhead the audience.
10. The La Scala theater echoed with a roaring applause and a standing ovation as Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana exited for their final bow.
