Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda 2024 collection reveals a new, captivating chapter in their ongoing narrative, showcasing an extraordinary blend of intellectual and manual craftsmanship. This latest installment of their never-ending Grand Tour draws inspiration from Italy’s rich cultural heritage, presenting garments that seem to be carried by the wind yet anchored by intricate gold filigree.

The collection was unveiled at the Archaeological Park of Nora on the promontory of Capo Pula in Sardinia, a location that evokes the grandeur of the 17th to 19th-century Grand Tours. This setting prompts a reflection: is this glamorous odyssey across Italy merely a fusion of fashion, commerce, and local traditions, or is it an ever-evolving educational journey?

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, the creative minds behind the brand, have long traversed Italy, from Taormina to Florence, absorbing and reinterpreting the traditional arts of embroidery and weaving. They see their Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections not just as fashion, but as tools for continuous learning. “We chose the South of Sardinia to discover its rich and determined culture. Initially unfamiliar with the island’s traditions, we studied diligently to avoid clichés and create a collection that, while linear and clean, is rich in details and decorations reminiscent of the Carosa lines of the sixties,” they explain.

The annual High Jewellery event sets the stage for the Alta Moda showcase, featuring miniature putti, medallion-adorned collier, and filigree earrings that defy gravity. These pieces, coupled with vibrant precious stones, serve as a prelude to the main collection.

As the wind sweeps through the catwalk, constructed around the mirror towers by American artist Phillip K. Smith III, the Alta Moda 2024 collection unfolds. The designs reflect the Sardinian technique of folding and soaking heavy woolen fabric, a centuries-old practice now impossible to replicate on a large scale. This historical nod underscores the intricate study and adaptation that characterize Dolce & Gabbana’s work.

“The most striking aspect of Sardinia for us was the contrast between its raw nature and the ornate clothing of its inhabitants,” say Dolce and Gabbana. This juxtaposition informed a collection that is both simple and highly decorated, with filigree work as a central theme.

The fashion show took place amidst the ancient ruins of Nora, a significant Phoenician settlement. The site, with its sacred roads and mosaics, was protected with sandbags to preserve its integrity during the event. This respect for historical preservation highlights fashion’s potential to honor and integrate other forms of creativity.

Dolce & Gabbana’s clientele, a diverse global community, gathered to witness the Alta Moda collection, with the men’s Alta Sartoria set to be revealed the following day. The 11 Mirror Towers by Phillip K. Smith III amplified the natural beauty and historical significance of the site, reflecting the exquisite garments.

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The Alta Moda 2024 collection features techniques inspired by Sardinian carpets and showcases garments in silk and chiffon. The collection’s primary attribute is movement, achieved through ‘drop’ cuts and gold-embellished corsets, harnesses, and bras. This nod to the brand’s 1990s innovations underscores their enduring influence on contemporary fashion.

As Dolce & Gabbana celebrate their 40th anniversary, their legacy continues to evolve. Their current exhibition, “From the Heart to the Hands,” at Milan’s Palazzo Reale, will soon tour globally, underscoring their widespread appeal. The designers attribute their success to a focus on creating garments for real people, aiming for an “absolute beauty” that resonates deeply with their audience.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda 2024 collection, with its blend of tradition and innovation, exemplifies their commitment to continuous learning and celebration of Italian culture. As the brand looks to the future, it remains firmly anchored in its rich heritage, crafting garments that are both timeless and forward-thinking.