An All Access Pass Inside Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda Shows
Scenes from Dolce &. Gabbana's Alta Moda featured in Matt Lever's La Dolce Vita
MATT LEVER
Since it was first unveiled at picturesque Taormina, Sicily in 2012, Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda shows have proven to be the most exclusive, and visually captivating of all fashion spectacles. In the past 13 years, he formidable design duo behind Alta Moda, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, has brought the magic of this haute couture experience to idyllic destinations like Milan, Cuomo, Agrigento in Sicily, Florence, Venice, Syracuse, and Puglia. It has also been held in in Paris.
Attendees of Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda shows are strictly A-list, consisting mostly of loyal haute couture clients and a only handful of top-tier celebrities. You will be hard pressed to find journalists or the usual roster of Fashion Week social media personalities in attendance. In an introduction to his newly-launched coffee table book, La Dolce Vita: Inside the World of Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda Fashion Shows, photographer Matt Lever writes: '[A] feature of the Alta Moda show is how extraordinarily personal they feel. The fact that there were hardly any photographers or journalists at the first few seasons was a testimony to how exclusive the whole occasion was…There isn't a huge amount of press, or the circus that accompanies ready-to-wear.'
La Dolce Vita features behind-the-scenes photographs by Matt Lever from Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda Shows
MATT LEVER
According to the lensman, known for capturing behind-the-scenes action during fashion shows, Alta Moda is a completely unique experience that takes place over an entire weekend. It is a love letter to Italy expressed through fashion, craft, tradition, festivities, camaraderie, and sense of la dolce vita. 'It's not just the fashion show, but also firework displays, meals and a party on the last night… Alta Moda guests are completely submerged in the opulent Dolce & Gabbana brand.' The first evening typically opens with a jewelry show, dinner and fireworks. The Alta Moda or haute couture presentation happens on the second day. The weekend is concluded with a men's wear show, Alta Sartoria and an opulent party complete with live performances. Having covered Alta Moda shows since 2012, Lever is both witness and visual chronicler of the most exciting haute couture weekend in the fashion kingdom.
Photographs from Alta Moda as featured in La Dolce Vita
Matt Lever
'The first Alta Moda was almost like a salon from the early days of haute couture. It felt very much like family,' he describes. Matt also observes that unlike ready-to-wear fashion shows, Alta Moda gives guests and those working behind-the-scenes more time to breathe and immerse themselves in the brand's universe. 'It's the only show that's happening and everyone is solely there for the Alta Moda show. All the models have been at a nearby hotel since the previous night, so there is no chaos at all. This and the lack of other photographers really give you time to compose your shots and think about the story you want to tell.'
La Dolce Vita by Matt Lever
Matt Lever
Having built a substantial portfolio of runway and behind-the-scenes photographs from the Alta Moda shows, Lever's La Dolce Vita was intended to transport readers right to the heart of the weekend fashion festivities. 'I really like to capture the feeling of the show rather than just document the outfits. I really try to tell more of a story with each image, to capture the moment. If the show is in an amazing location, I really want to capture this as I think it's integral to the story the designers were telling with the show and how they wanted the clothes to be seen. I really wanted to capture the beauty of the clothes, but also the intense focus of the designers and the hard work that goes into making these garments.'
La Dolce Vita features is a collection of photographs by Matt Lever, taken during Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda shows
MATT LEVER
Coverage of the Venice show in 221 inspired Lever to capture the tedious work done behind the scenes, while still showcasing the serenity and grandeur of St. Mark's Square and Canale di San Marco. He reminisces, 'Some shows are easier to do than others. For the Venice show I really wanted to capture the beauty of the location as well as the clothes, to do justice to the designer's vision. In the book, I wanted to convey the hard work of the models. I think that people don't understand or appreciate their professionalism and hard work. That being said, in many of my favorite shots, the clothes aren't always the center of attention. Sometimes the most beautiful image captures a moment rather than just focusing on the clothes. I'm more interested in a beautiful shot than just recording an outfit.'
For him, one of the most unforgettable moments captured by his lens was when models lined up for the finalé bow just as a storm and a double rainbow began to take over the heavens. 'You couldn't have orchestrated something more breathtaking,' he remembers. 'There were these dark storm clouds rolling in from behind the runway, but there was still sunlight coming from behind me. And then the heavens opened just as the designers took their bow. I also managed to get the only lightning bolt of the evening in the shot I took of the model in the yellow dress with the umbrellas. The image looks photoshopped, but I swear it isn't.' This is just one of countless magic moments featured in his book.
Behind the scenes of Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda show as showcased in Matt Lever's La Dolce Vita.
MATT LEVER
When asked about his fondest memory of Alta Moda, Lever intimates: 'I have a lovely memory of Domenico telling myself and the other two photographers who were covering the show just how important Alta Moda was to him. It was a very special moment. Sometimes, the lines between art and commerce blur in this industry. This was a reminder that art is still very much important and that no matter how successful someone can become.' Proceeds from sales of La Dolce Vita will be dedicated to the Larkin Street Youth Services. This organization helps to house homeless youth in San Francisco. It also provides the young with health care and educational support as a means for breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Dior picks Jonathan Anderson as creative director, FT reports
(Reuters) - Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson has been named creative director of women's, men's and haute couture collections of Dior, replacing Maria Grazia Chiuri who held the role for almost a decade, the Financial Times reported on Monday. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. Chiuri left her job as creative director of Dior women's collections, the luxury fashion brand owned by LVMH said on May, with Dior menswear designer Anderson widely tipped to take a bigger role.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Say goodbye to style over comfort — these Canadian-made jeans are ticking all the boxes!
As anyone who's hunted for the perfect pair of jeans knows, it's rare to find denim that hits that sweet spot between comfort and structure. Too stretchy, and they lose shape. Too stiff, and you're counting down the minutes until you can change. Enter: DUER's Performance Denim Mid Rise Slim Straight Jeans, the Canadian denim that your closet has been waiting for. With rave reviews and thoughtful design details, these jeans are quickly becoming a go-to choice for shoppers seeking a stylish staple that's versatile and made for real life. Based in Vancouver, DUER is known for its innovative fabrics and elevated staples made for 'doers' (get it?), a.k.a, people who don't want to choose between style and performance. Because we really can have it all! Pictured here in Dark Stone. The Slim Straight style features a mid-rise waist, a flattering slim fit through the hip and thigh, and a slightly looser leg opening for a straight, classic finish. Translation? They look good with everything from sneakers to heels and have a timeless, easy-to-style silhouette that won't feel dated after one season. But what really sets these jeans apart is how they feel. They're breathable, soft to the touch, and move with you, making them a favourite for travel, long days out, or anyone who simply doesn't want to sacrifice comfort for style. Designed with everyday movement in mind, these jeans are made using the brand's signature stretch fabric, which includes natural fibres like cotton, eucalyptus-derived tencel and a touch of spandex for just the right amount of give. 👖 600+ reviews ⭐ 4.8/5 stars 🏅 "The perfect addition to my wardrobe!" With a near-perfect 4.7-star rating from hundreds of reviews, these jeans have clearly struck a chord with denim lovers across Canada. 'These jeans are so comfortable! I wore them on a long-haul flight and was amazed at how well they held up. No sagging, no stiffness, just the perfect fit,' one reviewer shared. Pictured here in Aged Medium Stone, these jeans are available in four additional colourways. Another echoed the sentiment: 'They fit like a glove, have great stretch without losing their shape, and feel like they were made for movement. I've worn them to the office and out to dinner.' That said, not every review is glowing, but we appreciate honest feedback. One shopper noted that while the material felt high-quality, the sizing didn't quite work for them: "I really wanted to love these jeans, but I found the waist too snug compared to the fit in the legs. I had to size up, which made the rest of the jeans looser than I'd like. Might just not be the right cut for my shape.' While this might be a matter of personal fit, it's a good reminder to check DUER's size guide and reviews before ordering, especially if you're between sizes. It's safe to say that DUER's Slim Straight Jeans in Aged Medium Stone are worth the hype, with the local Canadian aspect, as well as ethical production and stellar reviews. And at a moderate price-point, they're an investment that pays off every time you reach for them (which will be often). Available in several washes and fits to suit your personal style, these are jeans you'll want to live in, and according to hundreds of happy shoppers, you absolutely can. These jeans are the perfect blend of effortless cool, all-day comfort and vintage vibes. These trousers are where tailored elegance meets everyday comfort, making them your go-to for effortlessly chic style. Perfect for any summer activity, this laid-back yet elevated jumpsuit is about to become your new BFF. With a flattering high rise and laid-back wide leg, these jeans bring retro-cool energy and all-day comfort to every outfit. No matter where you stand on the skinny jean trend, this high waisted pair are a great option. A more comfortable pair of jeans doesn't exi—
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Football shirt restoration: The next frontier in the vintage kit market?
This article is part of our Kitted Out series, an exploration of the impact of soccer kits on culture and fashion. Last year, Ian Jefferson wrote an email to Bill Henderson, the founder and owner of The Dream Shop. In the message, Jefferson told Henderson about his father, Jesse Jefferson, an MLB pitcher for eight years between 1973 and 1981. In memory of his dad, who died in 2011, Jefferson asked Henderson, a professional shirt restorer, if he could send a blank, store-bought Baltimore Orioles replica for Henderson to build a copy of the shirt his dad wore when he played for them in 1973. Advertisement Henderson did him one better, finding an old match-worn Orioles jersey from his stash, one tattered by years of wear in the pros and minor leagues — and then restoring it with Jefferson's name and number. After Jefferson returned photos of him posing in a room full of memorabilia from his dad's career wearing the shirt, Henderson posted about it to his thousands of followers on Facebook. A couple of weeks later, Henderson received an email from a shirt collector named Rick Taylor. Taylor had noticed Henderson's Facebook post and dug out an actual match-worn 1975 Orioles Jesse Jefferson jersey from his collection, which he wanted to gift to the former baseball player's son. Taylor sent the jersey to Henderson, who restored it and sent it on to Jefferson — another item to add to the room decorated in his father's memory. That's just one of many heartwarming tales Henderson has to tell since retiring as a marketing executive in 2018 to lean into his collection obsession and begin restoring jerseys full-time. 'I've become the go-to guy for restoration work,' says Henderson, 63. 'I work more hours a day than I used to, but I don't feel like I work at all.' The world of commercialised sports shirt restorations is relatively new but it's a growing and increasingly common way to bring old shirts back to life. 'Restoration broadly encompasses a variety of things related to kits,' says Phil Delves, a community partnerships lead and content creator at Cult Kits. 'On one side, you have people or companies who will restore kits to their original state, or try as best as possible to do things like replace sponsors or even just practical construction restoration, such as stitching. 'It can also come from more of a creative angle, where shirts are customised, perhaps in a historical ways or ways which aren't true to the actual history of the shirt. Maybe they'll introduce things like a customised sponsor, which is one of the most popular methods. So, for example, taking a current shirt and adding a sponsor logo that was never associated with a team but has some sort of connection. 'That kind of restoration can go as far as completely changing the look of a kit to the point where you could argue that maybe 'restoration' isn't the best word, but I think many people would still consider it restoration. That takes more creative license.' A post shared by Maker | Restauracion | Personalizacion (@ For many of the same reasons that retro jerseys have become one of football's most popular subcultures, the shirt restoration market is experiencing a surge. Whether attached to success or pure aesthetics, most sports fans have jerseys they resonate with — and they're often unavailable to buy new, very expensive on the second-hand market, or in poor condition. Shirt restorers provide an alternative to spending hundreds by taking old jerseys, replacing names, numbers or sponsors, and repairing material damage. Advertisement 'After sending my own shirts to be restored, I noticed only one person was doing it and I just thought: 'I want a bit of that,'' says Oliver James Howitt, founder of OJ's Football Shirt Restorations. 'I've been restoring since around 2021 but after leaving my hospitality career in 2023, football shirts and restorations became my full-time job and I haven't looked back. It hasn't come without obstacles but the business has grown quickly, and I'm extremely proud of it.' Last January, Howitt described the state of his company's profile as 'relatively small', with a few thousand followers. However, after signing deals with several companies, including Korean textile firm Dae Ha, and around £3,000 in internal investment, OJ's Football Shirts now has more than 100,000 followers on Instagram and more than 540,000 likes on TikTok. 'I first came across (shirt restorations) through Oliver — I spotted him on Twitter about two years ago,' former Wrexham captain Ben Tozer, who retired in May, tells The Athletic. 'It's a little bit geeky, I guess, but it was just interesting to see all the retro shirts and watch how they were being restored. I thought it was amazing. Funnily enough, my mum then texted me a picture of an old Swindon (Town) shirt of mine — it was white but it had red marks all over it. She asked if she should bin it, so I said: 'No, I'll just contact this guy.'' At first glance, it's not difficult to see why Tozer's mother's first instinct was to throw it in the bin. The jersey, from Tozer's first season as a professional, was covered in stains, a consequence of the red dye on the numbers and sponsors running in the years since he wore the shirt in the 2006-07 season. The name and number set were also in poor condition and the front sponsor was smudged. Described as 'one of (his) trickiest restorations to date', Howitt repaired the jersey completely and Tozer posted it on his social media, one of the first professional football players to publicise their use of a shirt-restorer to bring an old and battered jersey back to life. A post shared by Oliver James – OJ's Football Shirt Restorations (@ojsfootballshirtrestorations) In addition to the restoration process, heat press machines allow shirt restorers to overhaul the design of modern shirts. Howitt, for example, has replaced the Standard Chartered sponsor on last season's Liverpool away jersey with the Carlsberg logo, Liverpool's shirt sponsor from 1992-2010. He has made similar amendments to Boca Juniors, Manchester City and Inter Milan shirts, among others. Advertisement So how do restorers do it? 'Let's use a 'modern-to-retro' sponsor swap as an example,' says Howitt. 'First, I'll turn the shirt inside out and dab the sponsor sparingly with a VLR (vinyl lift-off remover) on a cotton pad. After letting it sit for 30 seconds, I'll stretch the garment, peel the sponsor, and rub any excess glue residue with a VLR cotton pad until traces are minimal or vanish. If it doesn't work initially, I repeat until the desired result is achieved.' Shirt restoration has particularly strong growth potential in the United Kingdom, where the retro shirt market is primarily a second-hand industry. Clubs and jersey manufacturers have woken up to the attachment to old shirts in the past decade, with retro jerseys with similar materials and almost identical designs becoming more readily available in club shops. Still, it remains a more fragmented industry than in the United States, where primary jersey design changes are less frequent, and retailers such as Lids and Fanatics provide comprehensive 'throwback' collections. Typically, Howitt charges between £15 and £25 for sponsor amendments and up to £35 for name set repairs. With the retro jersey market developing from niche to mainstream, second-hand stores and online vintage retailers are flooded with jerseys from the 1980s onwards, making your dream (or 'grail') jersey more accessible than ever. A post shared by Oliver James – OJ's Football Shirt Restorations (@ojsfootballshirtrestorations) Given that some of the most coveted jerseys in pristine condition from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s regularly demand prices north of £500, there is a danger that some independent sellers could be exploiting the blurred the line between a truly authentic 'retro' jersey, featuring its original printing, and the restored market. The Athletic visited an area of London known for vintage clothes and retro football jersey shopping to test whether this trend had spread from the online market to physical stores. After filtering through hundreds of unaltered jerseys at various stores, we stumbled upon a retro shirt retailer displaying a 2002-04 Manchester United home jersey priced at £150 with a freshly printed 'Ronaldo 7' name and number set. Advertisement Though it was apparent that, at minimum, the name, number, and sponsor had been altered, a sign reading 'all original items' was visible above the shirt rack. When The Athletic asked for confirmation, the customer service representative stated that this was an original without any restorations. After asking for further assurance, the representative messaged the owner, who said the shirt was original, but the names and sponsors had been 'reproduced'. Considering that we spent around an hour visiting several retro shirt sellers to no avail, it might indicate that this is not yet a widespread problem in the industry. While there is no issue with the restoration process, failing to clarify when a shirt has been restored could be viewed as deceiving customers into purchasing altered jerseys at 'true' vintage prices. The art of shirt restoration is still in its relative infancy in the United Kingdom. But with restorers providing an avenue to refresh an item's details at an affordable price, it has exciting potential as a sustainable way to spruce up the tattered jersey at the bottom of your drawer. Kitted Out is part of a partnership with VW Tiguan. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
