Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda “From the Heart to the Hands” immersive exhibition in Milan. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Dolce & Gabbana / Michael Adair.

Du Cœur à la Main – Dolce & Gabbana Exhibition in Paris See HERE.

“From the Heart to the Hands”: An Ode to Italian Artistry by Dolce & Gabbana

Milan’s majestic Palazzo Reale is set to host an extraordinary event that promises to be a watershed moment in the world of fashion and art. “From the Heart to the Hands”, an immersive exhibition of Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda, offers a profound journey through the emotion and amore intrinsic to Italian culture. This event, running from April 7 to July 31, marks an unprecedented exploration into the inspiration, creative process, and exceptional craftsmanship behind the one-of-a-kind creations of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Curated by the distinguished French fashion historian Florence Müller, known for her compelling work on exhibitions like “Dior: From Paris to the World” and “Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective”, this showcase is a narrative of magic, fantasy, legend, and reality intertwined. Müller invites attendees into the enchanting world of Dolce and Gabbana, setting the stage for an exhibition of almost operatic extravagance.

A Journey Through Ten Chapters

Structured into ten captivating chapters, each dedicated installation within the Palazzo unfolds like a story, beginning with a room inspired by the grandeur of Venice’s Scuola Grande di San Rocco, celebrated for Tintoretto’s masterpieces. This space sets the tone with a mirrored ceiling and paintings by Anh Duong, complemented by papier-mâché mannequins adorned in meticulously crafted garments.

As visitors progress, they encounter a homage to Venice’s illustrious glassmakers, Barbini and Barovier & Toso, with dresses that resemble delicate glass flowers under the warm glow of antique chandeliers. The journey continues through various thematic rooms, including an ode to the classic film Il Gattopardo, a live Alta Moda tailoring workshop, and a Renaissance-inspired room echoing the architectural beauty of Rome’s Palazzo Farnese.

The narrative leads to a celebration of the barocco bianco arabesques from the 2022 Alta Moda show, the Greek influences on Sicilian culture, and a grand finale dedicated to Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house. Each chapter not only showcases the splendid creations of Dolce and Gabbana but also pays tribute to the rich tapestry of Italian culture and artistry.

A Love Letter to Italian Culture

“At the heart of this exhibition lies a belief that fashion transcends the boundary of mere aesthetic, venturing into realms of fantasy and dreams,” explains Müller. This sentiment is vividly brought to life through each meticulously planned chapter of the exhibition, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the artistry and imagination behind Dolce&Gabbana’s Alta Moda collections.

The exhibition stands as a testament to the designers’ belief in the democratization of art, emphasizing that in Italy, artistic expression is not confined to the elite. It is a cultural legacy that sees the act of making a simple ragù as a piece of art, rooted in a rich lineage of artisans and creators who have shaped Italian culture through the ages.

“Dolce&Gabbana’s Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria collections are not just fashion statements but embodiments of handcrafted excellence, representing a bridge between dreams and the tangible world of fashion,” Müller notes. The exhibition is not only an exploration of the designers’ sources of inspiration but also an educational journey into the elaborate craftsmanship that each piece entails.

An Invitation to Experience

“From the Heart to the Hands” is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to participate in a unique artistic process, from concept to creation. It offers an unparalleled insight into the minds of two of fashion’s most visionary creators, celebrating their dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship while paying homage to the inexhaustible well of Italian culture.

As visitors move through each thematic space, they are enveloped in an immersive experience that is both a historical journey and a forward-looking exploration into the possibilities of fashion as a form of art. This exhibition is a love letter to Italian culture, crafted with the same passion and precision that defines the very essence of Dolce&Gabbana’s Alta Moda collections.

In the heart of Milan, “From the Heart to the Hands” awaits those ready to embark on this mesmerizing journey through the lens of Dolce & Gabbana, where every stitch and seam narrates the enduring allure of Italian artistry.

See photos of exhibition Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda “From the Heart to the Hands”