“THE STREET EXPERIENCE IS UNIQUE, BUT IT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE THIS IS THE STREET OF ARTISANS”
this is the street of artisans,” said Dolce on choosing the city. The designers have long traded on Italianisms, and this collection captured the energy of life at ground level. “Every family here lives in the culture and is rooted in their trade – just like Alta Moda.”
Dolce & Gabbana muse and beloved Neapolitan Sophia Loren (who was born in Rome but grew up just outside Naples) presided over the event on a throne, while crowds chanted: “Sophia, Sophia!” Through her films she extracted the soul of everyday life in Naples, bringing to the fore their special brand of independence and defiance.
Fitting, then, that the first look, a white bodice and slim pencil skirt, paid homage to Loren’s role in the 1954 film The Gold of Naples. Rum baba, a local dessert, was represented by a hat, other headpieces mirrored the religious shrines dotted along the streets and the bejewelled gold capes recalled San Gennaro. No look was cheered more than the aqua silk football shirt sequined with the name Maradona (who played for Napoli in the 1980s) and his number, 10. Through their show, Dolce & Gabbana struck at the heart of Neapolitans’ unique brand of pride, capturing their relationship with their city.