Inspired by a night at the opera – specifically Venice’s Gran Teatro La Fenice, circa 1953 – the Fall/Winter 2009 D & G collection was an over-the-top nod to costume and dressing up for the opera.
13 operas were singled-out and referenced throughout the collection – including Verdi’s “La Traviata” which inspired Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Moulin Rouge’.
The collection was executed with such zest, it’s hard to imagine any one besides Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana getting away with it.
Ornate patterns, tassels, bows, frills, billowing silhouettes, fitted bodices, duchesse silk, brocades, and bustier dresses abounded in the dramatic collection.
That said, while the collection was a treat for the eye, it seemed at times somewhat repetitive, over-worked and even if the pieces were toned-down for actual production, most would be low on the wearability factor – of particular note in that category were all of the gowns shown at the end of the show.
Ironically, the simplest touch – the T-shirts with renowned soprano singer Maria Callas’ head on them– was the collection’s standout.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
