Dolce&Gabbana high jewellery for men created by Italian craftsmen and goldsmiths reveals aspects of vanity, worth and business in men’s fashion
This July, Italian luxury brand Dolce&Gabbana chose Siracusa in Italy for its Alta Moda (fashion), Alta Gioielleria (jewellery) and Alta Sartoria (couture) shows for men. The choice of the location wasn’t incidental. The Alta Sartoria show took place in Marzamemi, known as a culturally hybrid spot—at the southern tip of Sicily, it is called the ‘pearl of the Mediterranean’ and has remnants of Arab culture.
In conceptual sync, the Alta Sartoria collection called ‘Siracusa’ with male models in high jewellery—gold armours, long chains, bejewelled face masks, Sicilian pendants, cuffs and rings—was inspired by an ancient legend of the Calafarina cave. The story goes that an Arab princess hid here during a siege of the island by the Normans in 1061. This princess brought extravagant treasures along with her. The D&G jewels collection are inspired by this story and its fantastical possibilities. The show took place at a tuna fishery with folkloric references in dance, song and set up.