PARIS (AP) — The iconic Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana is making its grand debut in Paris with a stunning exhibition that celebrates Italy’s rich sartorial heritage and the intricate artistry behind their creations.
This marks a historic moment for the fashion world, as the duo showcases their work in the French capital for the first time in their 40-year career.
The exhibition, titled Du Coeur a la Main (From the Heart to the Hand), is running from January 10 to March 31 at the newly refurbished Grand Palais.
Spanning 1,200 square meters, the show offers a deep dive into the intricate craftsmanship and artistry that define Dolce & Gabbana’s brand.
Over 200 looks from their Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections are on display, complemented by 300 handmade accessories and objects, including Sicilian ceramics.
Curator Florence Müller, who conceptualized the exhibition, emphasized the global influence on couture in her remarks. “The story of couture is global,” she stated. “Embroidery, lace, brocade — they existed long before Parisian couture, in Italy, in India, and beyond.”
This global narrative is brought to life in the exhibit, where each room offers a different thematic exploration of Dolce & Gabbana’s work, revealing the deeply interwoven nature of fashion, art, and culture.
Visitors to the Grand Palais are taken through 10 distinct rooms, each designed to reflect a different facet of the duo’s artistic journey. Baroque grandeur permeates the space, with designs that are unapologetically maximalist and richly embellished.
The exhibition’s highlight is a breathtaking gown inspired by Venice’s Murano glass. The dress is adorned with glass mosaics from Orsoni Venezia 1888, the renowned glassmakers behind the golden mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. Müller has described this gown as “a sculpture on textile — pure craftsmanship elevated to art.”
The exhibition not only showcases the duo’s fashion but also invites visitors to explore the cultural and historical significance of Italian craftsmanship, underscoring the artistry and technique behind each piece.
It’s a celebration of Dolce & Gabbana’s unique ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating garments that are as much works of art as they are fashion statements.
The Du Coeur a la Main exhibition serves as both a tribute to Italian culture and a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of global couture.
As Paris continues to be the epicenter of haute couture, Dolce & Gabbana’s foray into this fashion capital further reinforces the idea that fashion is a universal language, one that transcends borders and celebrates the diverse heritage of its creators.
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