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The exhibition “From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce & Gabbana” at the Palazzo Reale in Milan celebrates the creative genius of the duo, their love for Italian culture and their unique approach to luxury.
The Palazzo Reale in Milan opens its doors to the event exhibition “From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce & Gabbana,” a true declaration of love to Italian culture that has always been at the heart of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s creative inspiration. For the first time, the unique creations of the fashion house are gathered in one place, offering visitors an unprecedented dive into the fascinating universe of Dolce & Gabbana.
Conceived as a love letter to Italy, the exhibition traces the extraordinary process by which the ideas of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana come to life, from the heart to the hands of the artisans who realize them. This creative journey highlights the multiple Italian cultural influences that feed Dolce & Gabbana’s fashion design approach, whether it be art, architecture, craftsmanship, music, opera, ballet, folk traditions, theatre or the famous dolce vita.
Curated by Florence Müller and produced by IMG, the exhibition presents the house’s archives and its new collections, in an immersive scenography that underlines the richness and diversity of Italian references. Visitors are invited to discover the world of Alta Moda, the Italian haute couture of which Dolce & Gabbana is one of the most fervent advocates, as well as the brand’s unconventional approach in the luxury world, which is elegant, sensual, unique, humorous, irreverent and subversive.
Throughout the rooms, one discovers how Italian art, from the great masters of the Renaissance to contemporary creators, has influenced Dolce & Gabbana’s aesthetics. Dresses with prints reminiscent of Michelangelo’s frescoes are displayed alongside suits with architectural lines evoking the palaces of the peninsula. Traditional craftsmanship is also celebrated, with pieces adorned with delicate lace, complex embroidery, and motifs inspired by Sicilian ceramics or Byzantine mosaics.
Music, opera and ballet, so dear to the hearts of Italians, also resonate in the exhibited creations. Evening gowns with drapings reminiscent of stage costumes compete with outfits with rock’n’roll accents, reflecting Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s passion for music in all its forms. Folk traditions are not forgotten, with pieces paying tribute to festivals and regional costumes, celebrating the richness and diversity of Italian folklore.
But the exhibition does more than present Dolce & Gabbana’s creations. It also establishes a fascinating dialogue with the work of visual artists, invited to interpret the brand’s universe through their own sensitivity. Paintings, sculptures, installations and videos create a surprising synergy with the fashion pieces, highlighting the correspondences between these different artistic expressions.
“From the Heart to the Hands” is also an opportunity to discover the backstage of creation at Dolce & Gabbana through videos and interactive installations that reveal the exceptional craftsmanship of the house’s artisans. From the initial sketch to the most meticulous finishes, each step of the creative process is highlighted, revealing the passion and talent behind each piece.
After its Milanese launch, the exhibition is set to go on a world tour, thus conveying Dolce & Gabbana’s message to the four corners of the planet. Beyond fashion, “From the Heart to the Hands” celebrates a true Italian way of life, a philosophy made of passion, creativity, joie de vivre and an unconditional love for beauty in all its forms.
Walking through this exhibition, one understands that for Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, fashion is not just a matter of appearance. It is a deeply rooted means of expression in Italian culture, a vibrant tribute to this country that has continuously inspired them and nourished their imagination. “From the Heart to the Hands” is an invitation to share this passion, to be swept away by the magic of the dolce vita, and to celebrate Italian creativity in all its splendor. The Palazzo Reale, with its majestic rooms and rich history, offers an ideal setting for this unique exhibition. It is a place where art and fashion meet, where past and present dialogue, where Italian excellence reveals itself in all its diversity and vitality.
