Dolce & Gabbana Presents Three Back-to-Back Opulent Shows in Sardinia
Four days, three shows, two designers and one stunning locale.
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Dolce & Gabbana unveiled its Alta Gioielleria, Alta Moda, and Alta Sartoria collections on a magical island with crystal-clear waters. The Italian duo skillfully wove the history of Sardinia into their Fatto a Mano collections, capturing the island's folklore, natural beauty, traditions, typical costumes, and even its iconic bread in each event.
Elements such as oxen, floats, monuments, music, and heritage found their way into the garments that brought Serdegna 2024 to life. Each show paid homage to Sardinian culture through unique details, celebrating the island's beauty.
The festivities began on June 30, with Christina Aguilera inaugurating the event at the Forte Village resort. These four days of runway shows and events honored Sardinia's rich heritage, craftsmanship, and artisanal legacy.
Alta Gioielleria
On July 1, at the Forte Village resort's southern beaches, an exquisite exhibition was staged, blending the precision of Fatto a Mano craftsmanship with gold threads and precious stones. In Piazzetta Luisa, the resort's vibrant entertainment hub, intricate gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were displayed amidst glass cases and ears of wheat.
Each jewel was meticulously crafted using the ancient filigree technique, which involves weaving fine metal threads to create detailed patterns. This Mediterranean tradition dates back to the Bronze Age—around 1200 BC—and demands exceptional skill to form the geometric and floral shapes that define these luxury adornments. Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Gioielleria not only embedded precious stones into the designs but also set them elegantly and robustly.
The creations seamlessly intertwined artisanal, culinary, and textile traditions by incorporating Coccoi Pintau, a delicately decorated Sardinian bread, into the designs. The simplicity of wheat conveyed a legacy through these pieces, embodying the roots of local heritage.
Alta Moda
The Alta Moda collection was showcased at the Nora Archaeological Park, amid mirrors and ancient ruins, with three-dimensional embroidery, filigree, corsets, jeweled bodices, and belts that appeared as works of art. Under the installation of American artist Phillip K. Smith III, known for his light-based creations, the collection was highlighted against the backdrop of sea and mirrors, offering a multifaceted view of the designs.
Voluminous, woven dresses, lace pieces, and oversized earrings interwoven with golden threads represented the island's traditions in the garments. The show began with a monochromatic palette of black and white, accented by gold jewelry that distinguished between simplicity and opulence. Suddenly, vibrant colours and fabrics took over the runway.
Each Fatto a Mano piece was an ode to craftsmanship, preserving a legacy passed down through generations. The models gathered at the center of the catwalk showcasing the Alta Moda garments' intricate details, which melded traditional elements with modern concepts, reflecting Sardinian textile culture through textures and decorations.
Alta Sartoria
On July 3, the final event took place again at Forte Village. Luxurious fabrics, crochet, embroidery, lace, and velvet brought men's suits to life, honouring Sardinia's tailoring traditions. The show began with a folkloric ceremony featuring oxen, colourful costumes, and masks, reminiscent of the procession of Sant'Efisio, the Christian saint who freed Sardinia from the bubonic plague in 1656.
During the ceremony, island inhabitants dressed in traditional costumes adorned the walkway with red and white flowers before the parade commenced. The tailoring showcased Sardinia's heritage through impeccably crafted men's suits, featuring short, fitted blazers, enclosed shirts, corsets, fringes, silky fabrics, and floral details. The Alta Sartoria collection embodied Italian tradition in every stitch.
This perfect fusion of culture and fashion represented Sardinia's historical legacy while maintaining Dolce & Gabbana's essence with large, gleaming accessories that blended past customs with contemporary elegance.
