Bringing together for the first time the unique creations of the luxury fashion house, “From the Heart to the Hand: Dolce&Gabbana” is an open love letter to Italian culture, a constant source of inspiration for Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The exhibition, running at the Grand Palais until April 2nd, celebrates the marriage of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. A tribute to Alta Moda, where jewelry plays a key role. Here, I'm sharing five emerging jewelry trends revealed during this exhibition that inspired me and enrich my creative world.
1. Misappropriation of Materials
Beyond the wonders of Haute Joaillerie, fine stones, and traditional settings, one of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibition is the skillful use of unexpected materials, both in the outfits and in the decorations. Dolce & Gabbana has transformed less noble materials or those from other worlds than textiles and jewelry into stunning and desirable pieces. This trend resonates with our upcycling philosophy, where each piece tells an unexpected story.
We see plexiglass imitating Murano glass chandeliers becoming necklaces, polyamide plastic breastplates inspired by the stucco of Baroque architecture, paper wigs like at the opera, woven raffia jewelry, a tribute to traditional Italian baskets.
Here they demonstrate a boundless imagination, where diversion plays an important role in the stories of Italy they tell, and thus earn their letters of nobility by parading during Haute Couture shows. Class.
2. Bold Ornaments
Known for their show-off style, Stefano Dolce and Domenico Gabbana play with proportions. Oversized jewelry made a strong impression at the exhibition. From necklaces with outsized stones, to extravagant earrings, to oversized micro-mosaic sets, these XXL pieces command attention and add a touch of glamour to any outfit. In the same spirit, and although they are not jewelry, we note the use of oversized ruffled collars and immense cuffs that hide the hands, thus playing with the usual uses.
It's a very inspiring trend, which can be seen, for example, in the tassel bib I recently designed. I really like this shift, with large crystals or original assemblages of antique elements that create a spectacular effect.
3. Head Jewelry
Headpieces were a staple at the show, adorning almost every model, the ultimate detail that completes a head-to-toe look. From delicate crowns to ornate headbands and even browbands, these creations evoke the Renaissance, antiquity, and opera costumes.
I had never thought of hair jewelry made from ancient artifacts, but it is a touch of timeless and surprising elegance, which could find its place in the collections while respecting our upcycling ethic.
4. Rosaries and Sacred Hearts
Deeply rooted in Italian culture, the rosaries, adorned with jet beads and fine stones, serve the story told by Dolce & Gabbana. That of family roots, the great Italian history, and the importance of religion in everything that makes Italy. A symbol of spirituality, they are presented here as widows' accessories, on guipure lace and black cloth dresses. They are not really jewelry, yet they occupy the same place in the viewer's eyes.
This trend blends culture, religion, and fashion, inviting us to explore the use of ancient beads and symbols in our jewelry, and fully validates its diversion. Each rosary created can not only be a fashion accessory, but also a bearer of meaning and history.
5. Chandeliers and Pendant Earrings
Miniature chandeliers to wear on your ears! These drop earrings are a real eye-catcher, embodying glamour and extravagance. These delicate and intricate pieces, which fall gracefully, add a touch of grandeur and incredible delicacy to the ballroom outfits they complement. There's a touch of Visconti's The Leopard here, like a piece of decor you'd want to keep for the evening.
I already loved creating impressive earrings , which move and shine when you move forward, using old and upcycled elements, but I believe that what I saw here has also confirmed my interest in these surprising pieces.
5. Men adorned with jewels
But the most surprising thing is surely the place reserved for Man in this exhibition. The bias is interesting: Man is adorned, adorned, naked but he remains virile, he has a role to play. Dandy, but protective, delicately embroidered but strong and reassuring. Dolce & Gabbana open the way to another vision of men. Assured, cultured and delicate. They wear precious stones around their necks, large pearl prods and harnesses of set glass, in all normality, and we love these blurred lines between two genders dressed on an equal footing.
Enough to democratize men's jewelry? We'll see...
The Dolce & Gabbana "From the Heart to the Hand" exhibition reminds us that fashion and jewelry are constantly evolving art forms, that the imagination is everywhere around us, and that we must dare. Dare to test, innovate, even shock. An extraordinary exhibition, thanks to the aesthetic beauty of the two designers' universe, but also the history and emotion that accompany them.
If you have the chance, run and see this magnificent exhibition! I saw it twice with wonder and be sure to find some inspiration in my future creations...
Hello everyone!
DOLCE & GABBANA, from the heart to the hand
at the Grand Palais until April 2