Milan, Sep 24: "Meraviglioso," the Italian 1960s hit parade song, played over and over as the models marched down the runway in gaily striped and printed outfits all gleaned from the Dolce & Gabbana's Sicilian treasure trove.
And marvelous it all was at the designing duo's spring-summer 2013 show presented Sunday, from the live cactus runway decorations, to the summer play suits, to the cart wheel earrings, to the unique ball gown made out of wicker covered by a black tulle veil.
Not that the collection took giant fashion leaps forward, but it was fun to follow and will probably be also to wear, something which some designers seem to forget as they invent ever more complicated ways of looking stylish.
The show began with short sun dresses in blue and white stripes that recalled the pattern of a beach umbrella.
Then came the more elaborate printed dresses, inspired by the gaily colored decorations of a wooden Sicilian cart. These were accessorized by hoop earrings reminiscent of the wheel of the cart as was the painting on the wedged sandals.
Tassels like the ones on the horse's bridal showed up everywhere, like on the brightly colored straw belts reminiscent of the horses decorative harness.
Models wore their long hair gathered in a twist, with a silk scarf doubling as a headband. Except for the wedges, the preferred look for footwear was comfortable and flat.
Along with wicker, the designers used other natural materials including raffia and burlap, which may underline the down-to -earth feel of the collection but also are known to be itchy.
The grand finale, a parade of models in summer favorites from sun dresses to shorts, bikinis and even old-fashioned swimsuits was upbeat and to the summer point.
