Ciao, Como

“To us, the show must always go on,” say Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana about staging their theatrical Alta Moda collection in Lake Como. The unabashed maximalists tell PRIYANKA KHANNA why fantasy is always rooted in their reality.

- Priyanka Khanna

In July, before Europe despatched for the summer, 300 individuals from places as diverse as Singapore and Mexico descended on the sunny shores of Lake Como for Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show. Como has long been the destination of choice for royals (both past and present; Harry and Meghan reportedly spent a few days recently at Amal and George Clooney’s hideout villa) and the international jet set, making it the perfect setting for the duo’s signature decadence.

The weekend extravaganza started on a high note. In the lavish, candle-lit Parco Teresio Olivelli guests were greeted with habit-wearing nuns and moustachioed men serving copious amounts of champagne as well as a costumed orchestra. “We give to our clients fun, food, fashion and family…and Italy! What’s more?” say the designers, laughing.

“I love how authentic the experience was,” says Natasha Poonawalla, who has been a long-time client and is often spotted on the label’s front rows. “Using old steamboats, stunning monuments as backdrops, music and just really emphasising their unique Italian flair—it all adds to the experience.”

“Fashion is not a dress; it’s a story and a way of life. Alta Moda experiences have helped us say more about us. They tell a message of life, of love and of pure beauty,” add the designers.

And the clothes! The 19th-century Como-based novel, Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed, proved a catalyst for the 100 theatrical looks that were showcased on supers like Helena Christensen, an age-defying Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigová. Multi-layered, textural, intricately detailed and fantastically over-the-top, the clothes were a treat for the senses. Micro-based peacock feather dresses! Rainbow marabou kaftans! Flapper dresses! Floral headgear! Even a sari! We asked the designers to tell us more.