Dal cuore alle mani - From heart to hands

I wasn’t really sure what to expect of Milan given that I love the history and architecture that Italy has and Milan has a reputation of being very modern. I was pleasantly surprised, staying in the Brera area which is one of the nicer areas to stay, there was lots to enjoy. There is the history aspect with lots of amazing old buildings with amazing architecture all maintained with pride. Then there is the modern design aspect which was so pleasing to the eye, walking the streets was like walking through an art gallery. All the stores, be it fashion, home wares, glasses or perfumery stores were all presented is such a stylish manner that window shopping was a delight. Each store is different in its offerings and in its display.

I am not really one for high end fashion but I certainly appreciate the skill of dressmaking (being a sewer myself) and the skill of embroidery. When I heard that Dolce & Gabbana had an exhibition I didn’t really think much of it until I saw an advert for the exhibition. I decided to to go to the exhibition also because it was exhibited in the Palazzo Reale next door to the Milan Dome. As i was waiting in line to enter all these Italians were coming out of the exhibition saying “pazzesca, pazzesca!”. It translates to crazy and I wasnt really sure what they were refering to.

The exhibition was exhilarating from the moment you step into the exhibition to the moment you leave. I was blown away by the skill and detail of the garments but also the way in which they were exhibited. So much thought went into the presentation, it was like walking through an art gallery magnified by 1000. All the sense were heightened. Each room had a theme each with its own music to match. They had a room dedicated to the theme of Sicily which is where Dolce originates from. There was a room of glass, chandeliers and all things that sparkle, a room dedicated to Verdi and many others.

The garments themselves had the most amazing artisan work, including quilting, embroidery. There was literally works of art embroided by hand displaying famous art work on some of the garments. There was so much to see it was easy to miss the detail. I was euphoric from the experience which lasted for a few days. The skill, workmanship, design and display was pazzesca!

Be sure to view the video on this website.