PARIS, France – In a historic moment for the Italian design duo, Dolce & Gabbana has brought their iconic creations to the fashion capital of the world, marking their first-ever exhibition in Paris. This exhibition, titled Du Coeur à la Main (From the Heart to the Hand), is a powerful statement of Italian artistry set against the backdrop of French luxury fashion, emphasizing the global influence of craftsmanship in haute couture.
Curator Florence Müller puts it simply: “Yes, Italy does it too.”
A Celebration of Italian Craftsmanship
Running from January 10 to March 31, this groundbreaking exhibit spans over 1,200 square meters at the newly renovated Grand Palais, featuring more than 200 Dolce & Gabbana creations from their Alta Moda and Alta Sartoria collections. The exhibition also showcases 300 handmade accessories, including Sicilian ceramics, as well as 10 themed rooms that delve into the deep-rooted artistic foundations of the brand.
The showcase highlights Baroque grandeur, with a focus on maximalist style and lavish embellishments. One standout piece is a gown inspired by Venice’s Murano glass, adorned with glass mosaics from Orsoni Venezia 1888, the artisans behind the golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica. Müller calls this gown “a sculpture on textile — pure craftsmanship elevated to art.”
Opera Meets Couture
The exhibit also draws inspiration from classical opera, with black velvet gowns decorated with gold embellishments, embodying the drama of Bellini’s Norma. Another key piece, a romantic blue dress inspired by Verdi’s La Traviata, flows like an aria, with layers of tulle symbolizing love and loss. Large portraits of Sophia Loren and Naomi Campbell immortalize these icons, while the soundtrack of Italian opera and traditional Sicilian folk music sets the mood, adding layers of emotion and drama.
The Art of Fashion in Action
What makes Du Coeur à la Main even more special is its live demonstration of craftsmanship. In collaboration with the Milan atelier, five Dolce & Gabbana seamstresses work live in the exhibit, crafting bodices, bustiers, and corsets before visitors’ eyes. This immersive experience shows that fashion is not just about the finished product – it’s a form of art in the making.
Sicilian Heritage Meets Global Influences
Sicily, the birthplace of Domenico Dolce, is at the heart of the collection. The exhibit includes Sicilian hand-painted carts, ceramics, and lace-making techniques integrated into couture designs. However, the exhibit also highlights the global nature of fashion, including how luxury goods and artisan techniques traveled across the world, influencing major cultural centers like Versailles Palace.
“The silk and brocades used at Versailles came from India,” says Müller. “Italian artisans were hired to craft the Hall of Mirrors. Fashion is about constant exchanges and inspirations, and this exhibit reveals what time has forgotten.”
Italian and French Fashion: A Shared Legacy
While Italian and French fashion have often been viewed as rivals, the exhibit challenges this narrative, highlighting how the two countries share a common history of artisan craftsmanship. Paris is often seen as the pinnacle of fashion, but this exhibit shows that Italian craftsmanship is equally integral to the development of haute couture. Both cultures rely on the skilled artisans — or “les petites mains” — whose work elevates fashion to an art form.
Müller explains, “Whether it’s Sicilian lace or Parisian tailoring, the soul of couture remains the same: the human touch.”
Beyond Fashion: Italian Artistry in Everyday Objects
The exhibit doesn’t stop at couture; it also highlights Italian craftsmanship in everyday objects. Pieces like Smeg refrigerators and coffee presses, reimagined by Dolce & Gabbana, show how functional items can be transformed into art. This speaks to the broader Italian philosophy that everything can be made beautiful, whether it’s a garment or a kitchen appliance.
“Fashion is art,” says Müller. “It’s meant to inspire, to dazzle, to make us dream. Whether you wear it once or never, its value is in its beauty, not its practicality.”
A Bold Statement in Fashion
When questioned about the extravagance of the gowns — some of which seem impossible to wear off the runway — Müller responds with a smile: “So what?”
Source: AP News
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