Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria men’s fashion shows transcend mere style; they are vibrant celebrations of Italian popular culture, from its profound religious heritage to its everyday traditions.
For over a decade, Dolce & Gabbana have embarked on an annual journey across Italy, spotlighting regions steeped in local heritage. Previous editions have highlighted Sicily, Puglia, and iconic cities like Venice and Florence. Recently, the focus shifted to Sardinia—an island rich in Roman Catholic history yet profoundly shaped by a mosaic of cultural influences, including Arabic, Greek, and Catalan.
The three-day extravaganza attracted hundreds of the brand’s most ardent private clients from around the globe, culminating in a grand party featuring a private concert by Katy Perry. The weekend kicked off with haute couture and high jewelry fashion shows amidst the ancient Roman ruins of Nora, followed by the men’s haute tailoring showcase. The men’s show was not just a display of fashion but a pageantry inspired by Sardinia’s annual Sant’Efisio parade, a cultural highlight every May 1st. Saint Ephysius, a Roman soldier martyred in Sardinia for his Christian faith, inspired this colorful event.
The show opened with a procession of fifteen hundred locals, featuring ox-drawn wagons, “tenore” polyphonic singers, and folklore groups such as the Mamuthones—men adorned in wooden masks, goatskin cloaks, and clanging cowbells. These figures, steeped in a tradition dating back 2,000 years, appear in select areas of the island during key Catholic calendar dates.
“To witness the joy on the faces of our local participants parading before seven hundred guests from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Mexico, India, as well as prominent figures like Jeff Bezos, and stars like Theo James, Lucien Laviscount, and Maluma—people who may not fully grasp the ancestral significance of this event—is truly moving. It’s our heartfelt homage to the authentic culture of Italy,” explained Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The subsequent fashion show showcased Dolce & Gabbana’s haute couture imbued with Sardinian cultural motifs. Reflecting Italy’s rural aesthetics—a cornerstone of Dolce & Gabbana’s identity—double-breasted suits adorned with silk ribbons, high-collared shirts with lace and flounces, and intricately embroidered blouses, robes, and boleros graced the runway.
“We incorporated the strong Spanish influences that have shaped Sardinia,” noted Stefano Gabbana. “During our exploration, I discovered fabrics similar to those worn by local women, linking Valencia and Sardinia.”
The collection also spotlighted Sardinia’s ancient weaving technique, Pibiones, characterized by heavy virgin wool adorned with pom-pom embellishments—a staple in Sardinian draperies, tapestries, and ceremonial textiles.
“One tradition that particularly fascinated us was the skirt worn over trousers by Sardinian shepherds,” shared Domenico Dolce. “It epitomizes a practical yet elaborate approach to dressing, resonating deeply with the island’s cultural tapestry.”
Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria showcase in Sardinia not only celebrated the island’s rich heritage but also reaffirmed their commitment to merging traditional Italian craftsmanship with contemporary haute couture, ensuring each creation tells a story deeply rooted in cultural authenticity.
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