Sicily continues to have a place in the hearts of Dolce & Gabbana, as their source of inspiration, a unique history made of folk traditions, colors, atmospheres, passions, love for the past, the family and roots.

Sicily, the birthplace of Domenico Dolce, has been an inspiration and reference point for Dolce&Gabbana ever since they made their debut on the fashion scene.

If we look back to the first collections, we can see that the references to Sicily are clear and unabashed.The fall-winter collection 1987-88 was simply called “La Sicilia” and the black dresses with clean lines, based on those of southern women, made the “widow look” a must, capture in the beautiful images by Ferdinando Scianna in an immortal ad campaign featuring Marpessa.

With the evolution of Dolce&Gabbana and the continuing inspiration provided by Sicily, the designer duo began to observe the folklore of the island, the famous Sicilian carts, the moors’ heads, the ceramics, the puppet theater (all also shown on the cover of Interni). These decidedly unique elements have created an ironic conceptual direction, as popular as the master craftsmanship of the originals.

This year the two designers have chosen Palermo as the ideal artistic and cultural setting, not only for the ad campaign in the spring, but also for their important glamour event at the start of July (from 6 to 10 July).

It is entitled “Alte Artigianalità” and presents four days of high fashion, catwalks and gala dinners, all by Dolce&Gabbana, to involve the entire historical center. A special, extraordinary opportunity to promote the image of Palermo in the world, with positive repercussions for local tourism.

Text by Simonetta Fiorio