From the Heart to the Hands: Dolce & Gabbana Celebrate Italy and Craftsmanship in a Stunning Exhibition

A must-see!

Since its founding in 1985, the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house has embodied luxury, refinement, and Italian craftsmanship. The exhibition « From the Heart to the Hands » masterfully curated by Florence Müller, offers a true ode to Italy, its cultural heritage, and the excellence of its artisanship. This visual, sensory, and artistic journey immerses visitors in a world where every detail matters, every piece tells a story, and every element celebrates the soul of Italy.

A sublime tribute to Italian heritage

The exhibition invites us to discover over 200 creations, previously unseen by the general public, that highlight the art of fatto a mano — handmade craftsmanship, a fundamental principle of the Dolce & Gabbana Maison. Having already captivated Milan, this exhibition serves as a living museum of Italian artisanal traditions, showcasing the Alta Moda line for women’s haute couture, Alta Sartoria for men’s tailoring, and Alta Gioielleria for fine jewelry.

Each garment on display is conceived as a work of art, with the maximalism that defines the Dolce & Gabbana fashion house beautifully highlighted through diverse scenographies. Visitors are treated to the abundance of patterns, textures, colors, and materials that reflect the generosity of Italian culture—rich and vibrant. It’s a visual explosion that dazzles and stimulates the senses, an ongoing dialogue between tradition and creativity.

Through the way the garments are displayed, one can closely observe the meticulous craftsmanship of the Dolce & Gabbana duo in exquisite detail: woven embellishments on loafers or gloves, cross-stitch embroidery, the delicacy of lace, or glass weaving…

A spectacular staging

The exhibition « From the Heart to the Hands » goes beyond merely showcasing garments — it creates an entire universe around each theme. The staging is designed with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the craftsmanship and inspirations behind every creation.

The carefully chosen settings transport visitors to various worlds: Ancient Greece with its Greek columns and pilasters, Byzantine mosaics, Italian Baroque, and even reconstructed workshops. Each space is accompanied by music, ambient fragrances, Sicilian ceramics, sumptuous chandeliers paying homage to Italian glassmakers from Murano, and paintings by Anh Duong (and her witty reinterpretation of Déjeuner sur l’herbe). These elements reflect the duo’s dedication to promoting art in all its forms.

The experience is immersive, theatrical, and elevates the garments by embedding them within a broader artistic vision. The showcased creations are a testament to the house’s exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled attention to detail.

An Ode to Italian Heritage and Legacy

Italy serves as the starting point for almost every creation, an endless and primary source of inspiration for the creative duo. Each piece — whether it evokes Italian opera, religion, or Sicilian traditions — carries a message of love for their homeland. The garments inspired by Sicilian widows, featuring modest black lace and their famous rosaries, or the dresses reminiscent of Titian’s paintings, are not merely tributes; they represent a celebration of Italian cultural heritage in all its splendor.

The exhibition also includes a room dedicated to Luchino Visconti’s iconic film The Leopard, with its centerpiece being a luminous, ethereal ball gown.

Another highly anticipated highlight for visitors is the golden macramé lace dress, a symbol of timeless elegance, displayed on its own in a dedicated room, commanding admiration.

Opulence and emotion

The most striking aspects of this exhibition are the creativity at its peak and the excellence of craftsmanship (which still exists). Unlike the minimalism of many fashion houses, Dolce & Gabbana embraces the richness of materials and the abundance of colors. Brocade, velvet, vibrant mosaics, sumptuous fabrics — all breathe the opulence and generosity of Italy. The only drawback for me is the occasional use of fur, which I have a deep aversion to. However, as a visitor, one is deeply moved by so much beauty, technical mastery, and inspiration. Every piece is a surprise and an invitation to immerse oneself in a captivating universe.

The exhibition also dedicates a section to Italian opera, with creations inspired by iconic works: La Traviata, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, and more. The richly adorned costumes and majestic dresses capture the dramatic and emotional essence of this lyrical art form, further proving that Dolce & Gabbana explores every facet of art in general.

An Unforgettable Cultural and Artistic Journey

« From the Heart to the Hands » transcends the boundaries of fashion to become a vibrant tribute to Italian culture. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, an acknowledgment of traditions passed down through generations, and an exaltation of the Italian spirit.

This exhibition is also a testament to excellence and artisanal know-how, which Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana wish to share with the public. Every creation, every detail, every scene embodies their love for beauty and tradition.

As visitors leave the exhibition, they can only be dazzled by this abundance, this visual richness, and the deep respect for a timeless cultural heritage. « From the Heart to the Hands » is much more than an exhibition: it is a true ode to Italy, its history, its traditions, and its generosity. The designers feel a genuine pride for their homeland and take the right and freedom to honor it as it deserves.

The « From the Heart to the Hands » exhibition by Dolce & Gabbana is held at the Grand Palais in Paris from January 10 to March 31, 2025.