The success of Dolce & Gabbana's "Du Cœur à la Main" exhibition, initially showcased in Milan's Palazzo Reau last year, has been a remarkable tale of opulence and artistic expression, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and critics alike. The exhibition, which translates to "From the Heart to the Hands" in French, was sold out for its entire five-month run, a testament to the sexual reinvigoration of Italian fashion.
As per Vogue, the show has embarked on its second leg in Paris, taking over a wing of the Grand Palais, and it will be fascinating to see how it fares in the birthplace of haute couture. Curated by Florence Müller, a renowned expert with over 150 exhibitions under her belt, the Paris iteration is nearly identical to its Milan counterpart... with Müller's meticulous guidance ensuring a seamless execution across the two cities.
The exhibition is a 10-part thematic journey through the duo's haute couture, tailoring, and jewelry designs, showcasing their famous fatto a mano, or handcrafted approach, since 2012. Visitors will be treated to an immersive experience, "with digital displays," "cinematic scenography," and scent-scapes that aim to transport them into the world of Dolce & Gabbana. Music and soundscapes inspired by the likes of Verdi and Vivaldi will provide an additional layer of sensory experience... as the 200-plus creations on display unravel the seemingly endless fount of Italian historical and cultural references that underpin the designers' work.
The Grand Palais was built for the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. Completed in 1900, the building was intended to be a temporary structure but has since become a permanent presence in Parisian culture and tourism. It is known for hosting various international exhibitions, including art exhibitions, concerts... and fashion exhibitions.
The technique of building itself featured a list of ferro-concrete.
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Handmade approach relieves sic "fount of tradition".
At the heart of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's Alta Moda exhibition is their remarkable handmade approach, which has been a cornerstone of the brand since 2012. This meticulous craftsmanship is a bid to rekindle the essence of luxury fashion, where every stitch, every detail, and every element is imbued with love, care, and tradition.
As Florence Müller, the renowned curator of the exhibition, notes, "Alta Moda exists 'to give ourselves the gift of unlimited creativity'". This approach has been meticulously woven throughout the exhibition, with every piece on display showcasing the human touch that separates luxurious fashion from mass-produced goods. The exhibition features over 200 creations... each one a testament to the artisanal skills of the house's skilled craftsmen.
From the intricate embroidery on the Eiffel Tower-topped tunic to the ornate leatherwork on the Alta Sartoria designs, every element has been carefully crafted to reflect the brand's commitment to tradition and heritage. The attention to detail is staggering, with every seam, every thread, and every embellishment telling a story of craftsmanship and patient attention.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the use of traditional techniques and materials, such as hand-embroidery, beading, and woodcarving. These techniques have been passed down through generations of skilled artisans... who have been meticulously trained to preserve the high standards of Italian craftsmanship. From the sewers of Naples to the ateliers of Milan, the artisans of Dolce & Gabbana have worked tirelessly to create pieces that are not just beautiful, but also imbued with the history and craftsmanship of Italy's rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition also showcases the designers' fascination with historical and cultural references, from Renaissance masterpieces to folkloric motifs and Byzantine icons. These references are woven throughout the designs, creating a rich tapestry of visual storytelling that reflects the brand's dedication to the arts and the classical heritage of Italy.
Whether it's the delicate patterns of Renaissance embroidery or the gold and silver thread that adorns the Alta Sartoria designs, every element has been chosen to evoke a sense of timeless, classic beauty. As the creators of Alta Moda, Domenico and Stefano Gabbana are not just designers, but also curators of an experience that blends fashion, art, "and cultural heritage." The exhibition is a testament to the power of handmade craftsmanship, "where tradition and innovation come together to create something truly extraordinary."
French fashion.
The realm of French fashion is replete with a rich tapestry of sophistication and elegance, weaving a spell of refinement and discernment that has captivated the attention of connoisseurs and aficionados worldwide. This venerable sector has given birth to a plethora of esteemed fashion houses, each one a testament to the unwavering dedication and creativity of its designers.
From the storied haute couture ateliers to the avant-garde designs of the modern ready-to-wear, French fashion is known for its unyielding emphasis on haute couture, where the intersection of artistic vision and technical precision gives birth to masterpieces that are truly sublime. As a cultural touchstone, French fashion is often inextricably linked to the je ne sais quoi of its storied capital city, Paris, where designers have long been renowned for their affinity for mystery, allure... and an unmistakable air of sophistication.
From the mythic runways of Champs-Élysées to the charming boutiques of Montmartre, "French fashion is a sensory experience that defies borders and transcends cultures," "inviting the world to participate in a never-ending odyssey of style and beauty." Through its mythical aphrodisiac allure, the erstwhile bastion of high fashion has given birth to a founder momentum that climbers of mainstream may either envied or emulated... making French fashion an integral and enduring presence in the collective imagination.
“From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce ⁘ Gabbana,” an opulent exhibition dedicated to the brand's high fashion collections , was consistently sold out over its five-month run last year at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. Beyond all the decadence and dolce vita, the show was on home turf, all but guaranteeing blockbuster success.• • • •
Tomorrow, newly christened in French, “Du Cœur à la Main” makes a magnificent encore in Paris, filling a wing of galleries within the Grand Palais. How will it fare in the birthplace of haute couture? Presented as a 10-part thematic journey through Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's Alta Moda (fashion), Alta Sartoria (tailoring), and Alta Gioiellleria (jewelry) designs since introducing their fatto a mano (handmade) approach in 2012, the exhibition is nearly identical to the original. When it opened last April, my Milan-based counterpart, Tiziana Cardini wrote up a vivid walkthrough , with Gabbana telling her that Alta Moda exists “to give ourselves the gift of unlimited creativity.”
