Dolce & Gabbana‘s Alta Moda (haute couture) line, launched in 2012, was a chance for Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to spark boundless creativity, enabling them to transcend the limits of what fashion and clothing can do—and represent. So when it came time to celebrate their collections—Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria (couture tailoring), and Alta Gioielleria (couture jewellery)—the Italian duo spared no expense in embracing unabashed glamour. It’s also the house’s 40th anniversary, so it’s big big. Immersed in fantasy and nature-inspired motifs, they skillfully merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artisanal methods. Visitors to the exhibition, titled “From the Heart to the Hands,” running in Milan from April 7 to July 31, 2024, will have the opportunity to experience these masterpieces firsthand.
Dolce & Gabbana’s exhibition celebrates Italy’s cultural richness through wearable handmade art. Florence Müller, curator of the ‘From the Heart to the Hands’ exhibition at Palazzo Reale, believes that Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana embody the essence of Italian culture and art. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the creative minds of Dolce & Gabbana, where “the clothes themselves serve as the scenery, and vice versa.” What’s special about this exhibit is that visitors will get a chance to see the pieces up close and in their still form which is “only shown in fashion shows where they pass by the guest very quickly.”
Crafted over five years, the exhibition spans 10 rooms, immersing visitors in the captivating world of the luxury house’s themes, references, and signatures. From elaborate glasswork to cinematic inspirations, every aspect is meticulously curated to offer a rich experience, showcasing historical creations alongside new collections steeped in Italian culture. Visitors can admire exquisite paintings by Tintoretto in one section and marvel at capes adorned with glass-crafted flowers in another. In the illustrious world of fashion, the essence of sartorial craftsmanship transcends mere tradition—it emerges as a masterpiece of artistry.
From the Heart to the Hands will embark on an international tour, travelling to some of the world’s most famous cultural centres after its debut in Milan.