Dolce and Gabbana’s latest autumn/winter show at Milan Fashion Week took a sentimental turn, with the show’s inspiration celebrating the “fulcrum of the family”, mothers.
The collection, titled “Viva Mamma!” didn’t break far away from Dolce and Gabbana’s classic silhouettes and Sicilian inspiration, but this season’s collection was accompanied by a distinct ‘Mamma’ focus.
A total of 11 mothers walked the runway, including a very pregnant Dolce muse, Bianca Balti, and four model mothers with their babies (and one toddler), a feat that required entire nursery be set up backstage.
The crowd was so captivated by the new, young cast it was hard to focus on the clothes, especially the little girl who giggled and clapped whenever the audience applauded, but somehow they managed.
The clothes that were sent down the runway were as ‘mother-focused’ as the cast, dresses printed with children’s drawings floated down the catwalk – rumoured to be art of Domenico Dolce’s young nieces and nephews – alongside gowns embroidered with ‘I love you, Mamma!’ (in English, Italian and French) and images of the Virgin Mary.
The less overt pieces included rose applique adorned shifts and swings, double breasted coats, black lace dresses with black fox stoles, crystal and fur headphones and (of course!) floral headpieces.
After the January autumn/winter men’s show, similarly titled ‘Il Papa!’, celebrated fathers and family with family photo printed jackets and shirts, garments adored with ‘famiglia’ and ‘amore’, and applique bees and crests, the echo of old family crests. But Papí had his moment in the sunshine, and March brought about the celebration of Mamma.
“She’s always there; she’s the person you can always call.” Designer Stefano Gabbana replied when asked about the theme, “Every man everywhere has a mother.”
So, when Italian Mother’s Day rolls around in May this year, don’t be surprised when Mamma requests a black velvet embossed handbag than the usual bouquet of roses.
Dolce and Gabbana didn’t hide their love; dresses with ‘I love you, Mamma’ walked the runway.
Models walked the runway with their children, this little girl couldn’t contain her excitement.
A very pregnant Bianca Balti walked the runway, Balti is a long serving D&G muse.
Nude dresses and capes with bright red rose appliqués were part of the celebration.
Model mothers carried their babies down the runway in matching nude lace dresses.
Dresses printed with children’s drawings were included, this one proclaimed ‘Mamma, sei la piu bella del mondo’ (Mamma, you are the most beautiful in the world)!
Renaissance paintings of mothers with children, surrounded by red roses.
This three-quarter sleeved midi dress was printed with Domenico Dolce’s nephew’s drawings.
Nude, black and teal made up the palette, with rose imagery featuring heavily.
Not one for subtlety, this all-over print dress was adorned with roses.
