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Writer's pictureMK Dea

Alta Sartoria - Dolce & Gabbana

Updated: Sep 22, 2021

Menswear August 2021


Pictures courtesy of GQ via Dolce & Gabbana

Placed in-between the historic Venetian dockyard of Arsenale lay 'the runway to nowhere'. You can see from the surroundings that it does not hide its industrialised past, and it certainly does not have the same exquisiteness as the womenswear show... But it is authentic, solemn and carries the past spirit of whatever "manhood" was back in those days.


Maybe that was the reason why this show was specifically stationed at the wharf, as the collection had displayed how far menswear has come in terms of neutralising the norms of the male gender and that men cannot be defined by what they wear, plus being set in a place with a rich history of men at work, it really questions the ideas of the past and what to anticipate in the future.


Picture courtesy of GQ via Dolce & Gabbana

There was no messing about when getting down to business as the opening model marched down the never-ending catwalk wearing bright blue slacks, a statement necklace and a cathedral inspired embellished applique vest.

Drones darted excitingly from all angles as though it was some sort of action movie, catching models strutting in all different types of splendour down the runway. Crystal jewelled suits and jumpers complimented chandelier styled earrings as they swung against the force of a mean walk. A greyish sky reflected on the water below the platform making the colours, patterns and glitter reach out and grab your attention.


Laser-printed paintings of an old Venice were heavily displayed throughout the show, reminding the audience of the roots behind the Italian designer's inspiration and the history of where the shows were held. Some of the designs were giving me a feel of 14th Century venetian soldiers with weighty, meshed, embellished vests and t-shirts showing off a range of sleeve cuts and lengths. It was a show of suspense that left nothing out as adonises paraded sternly towards the end of the line in royal-like robes that levitated stylishly behind them in the wind.


Picture courtesy of GQ via Dolce & Gabbana

D&G know just what to do when it comes to exhibiting craftsmanship. Just like the womenswear show the detail that was put into each piece was nothing but flabbergasting. Some of the garments had been made to look like the classic medieval favourite tapestry, but instead of embroidery, hundreds of beads and other embellishing methods had been used to really bring out the depth and beauty of every pattern.

Bold but subtle chokers were gently hugging the necks of the models with colourful and clear rhinestones gleaming off the dark clouds that gathered above. Borderline 15th century inspired gold rimmed glasses also brought some mystery to the stage. I cannot forget to mention the pointed shoes/boots which in a past life was usually made out of leather, but D&G had upgraded the look to a sleek suede in a range of fabulous colours!



Picture courtesy of GQ via Dolce & Gabbana

Before your eyes could blink, all hell broke loose as the heavens began to pour down on the crowd - and of course, the runway. It was a very peculiar scene seeing the guys being punished by large hailstones rapidly hitting the catwalk and everyone on it. I'm not sure if anybody knew quite what to do as the show had started to become a painful wash-out! Luckily, it was already coming to an end and designers Domenico and Stefano steadily rushed out to thank the crowd and the models before hurrying back to avoid any concussions!


There were pictures and videos of celebrity guests screaming in agony as pellets of ice hit the bare skin of those who decided to show some flesh. Dame Helen Mirren was captured underneath Vin Diesel's jacket as she dived for cover from the freak storm. Kourtney Kardashian was also seen puzzled by the fiasco, taking refuge under The Marchioness of Bath, Emma Weymouth's umbrella who was captured a little later laughing and emptying her stilettos of iced-stones.


A fantastic finale for an unforgettable show!


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