Glamour and style.
“Beauty is the most important thing—I want to be surrounded by beauty every moment. Beauty is a pillar of a brand,” remarked Domenico Dolce, alongside Stefano Gabbana with the Sardinian sun glowing behind them. This ethos has consistently driven their creations, a fact prominently showcased at the Alta Moda 2024 event.
Since 2012, Dolce & Gabbana have orchestrated grand Alta Moda events that spotlight Italian craftsmanship and cultural diversity. This year, they selected Sardinia for its rich folkloric traditions and dedication to iconic crafts. Over five nights, the duo brought together press, celebrities, and VIP guests for events that transcended traditional fashion shows. Award-show-style performances, 20-minute runway preludes, and branded vacation resorts exemplified Dolce & Gabbana’s concept of fashion as a form of entertainment.
Glamour was the theme at Alta Moda 2024 as Dolce & Gabbana took over the comune of Pula, southwest of Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. Known for its archaeological wealth and popularity as a vacation spot, Pula was an ideal location. The main show took place at the ancient ruins of Nora, which are mostly submerged beneath the sea.
“It’s full of history and full of civilization,” Dolce said of the coastal village. To connect the ancient and modern worlds, the brand enlisted artist Phillip K. Smith III to create abstract mirrored sculptures that reflected the site’s history. Dolce discovered Smith’s work online and found it to be the perfect complement to their vision.
The festivities began on Monday night with a high-jewellery presentation showcasing necklaces and earrings made with fine gold thread handwoven to mimic lace, a technique popular in 18th and 19th-century Sardinia. The following evening, the Alta Moda fashion show took center stage. Inspired by the 1960s, the collection focused on pleated column gowns in ebony, cut close to the body and adorned with gold filigree in the form of belts, corsets, bras, exaggerated earrings, and bejeweled necklaces reminiscent of Byzantine adornments.
Weaving, a cherished Sardinian craft, featured prominently. Cotton and wool textiles, still produced on looms in the region, were used throughout the collection. Ivory cotton shirting and majestic capes, meticulously handmade from tubular weavings of linen, wool, and jacquard silk, showcased Dolce & Gabbana’s dedication to Italian majesty steeped in baroque glamour.
“It’s not easy to make a dress,” Dolce commented. “People think it is because everything is so accessible nowadays, but you have to research. Websites and social media make everything go so fast.” Despite the fast pace of modern fashion, the brand ensured the social media set was not forgotten. Christina Aguilera opened the celebration in a custom pink Dolce & Gabbana silk corset with a feather boa, and Katy Perry closed the week’s performances. Drag superstars Violet Chachki and Trixie Mattel, along with pianist Micah McLaurin, delivered equally dazzling performances. The presence of stars like Naomi Campbell, Halle Bailey, Maluma, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Alessandra Ambrosio added to the event’s allure.
The location was not chosen randomly. Sardinia, with its breathtaking landscapes and deep-rooted cultural heritage, offered a perfect canvas for Dolce & Gabbana’s vision. Each event was carefully curated to highlight different aspects of the island’s tradition. From local crafts to traditional Sardinian music, every detail was thoughtfully planned to immerse guests in the island’s rich culture.
The high-jewellery presentation was particularly remarkable. Held in a historic mansion, the event featured pieces inspired by Sardinian history and mythology. The intricate designs, using fine gold thread and precious stones, paid homage to the island’s past while incorporating modern elements. Guests were treated to a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship that underscored Dolce & Gabbana’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Italian heritage.
The Alta Moda fashion show, however, was the highlight of the week. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nora’s ancient ruins, the show was a visual feast. The collection, inspired by the elegance of the 1960s, featured gowns that were both modern and timeless. The use of traditional Sardinian textiles added a unique touch, blending the old with the new in a seamless display of artistry.
The show’s production was nothing short of spectacular. A 20-minute prologue set the stage, combining historical narration with contemporary dance performances. The runway itself was transformed into a living canvas, with models walking through elaborate sets that depicted scenes from Sardinian folklore. The finale was a breathtaking tableau, with models draped in glittering gowns and adorned with intricate jewellery, standing against the ruins as fireworks lit up the sky.
Dolce & Gabbana’s ability to merge fashion with entertainment was evident throughout the week. Each event was designed to engage the audience on multiple levels, providing not just a visual spectacle but an emotional journey. The inclusion of high-profile performers like Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry added to the excitement, ensuring that the events were memorable for all attendees.
As Dolce & Gabbana celebrated their 40th year in business, they made it clear that their focus remains on the future. “We are only interested in today and tomorrow,” they stated, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and evolution. Their ability to adapt and reinvent themselves while staying true to their core values has been a key factor in their enduring success.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda 2024 in Sardinia was more than a fashion show; it was a celebration of Italian heritage, craftsmanship, and the brand’s enduring legacy. By blending traditional crafts with modern entertainment, they created an unforgettable experience that not only honored the past but also looked forward to the future. This event demonstrated that for Dolce & Gabbana, beauty is not just an aesthetic but a way of life, a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of their work.
