Designer Series: Dolce & Gabbana

Mentally, I am still in Italy. Therefore it is only natural that I feature two of the most recognized designers who are native to my bella Italia. Everyone knows the Dolce & Gabbana label, but few know the two powerhouses behind the brand. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded their renowned fashion house in 1985 after working together in Milan (swoon) for 5 years. The first ever collection was presented during Milan Fashion Week in 1986, receiving unprecedented amounts of praise which launched the two into designer stardom. Dynamic duo is certainly applicable for these two. 

Ever since the two paired up, they have created collections so beautifully crafted they can only be seen as works of art. Year after year they are one of the major highlights during Milan Fashion Week. Similarly, the Dolce & Gabbana ad campaigns are always highly anticipated. This year, the Fall 2016 campaign warmed my stone-cold heart in a way only Italy can. The photographs epitomize everything modern-day Italy is going through, combining the perfect aspects of ideas both old and new. See it for yourself: 

Fun fact fashion fan girl time! No but seriously you guys, this was incredible. When I visited Portofino this summer I was able to see one of Dolce & Gabbana's houses (!!!), this particular one being a fabulous villa tucked into the mountain with a perfect view of the sea. The location was conveniently located to their Portofino pop-up shop that opened the day I visited. The sales associates  treated me like royalty as they carefully explained each piece from the collection in detail. As of now, the store is 'fine' (pronounced feen-ahy) which means finished in Italian. The ultra-exclusive collection was available only in Portofino and only for one short month! If you ask me, fangirling was totally solicited in this case. Here's to you, Dolce & Gabbana... Who else can't wait to see what they have in store for Milano Fashion Week this year? Stay tuned...

Dolce & Gabbana Portofino - Summer 2015