logo
Would you dress like the pope?

Would you dress like the pope?

Times2 days ago
Just before the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria fashion show began last Wednesday, the guests mingled in front of the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo, which dates from AD123 — part papal residence, part mausoleum for emperors and part, as the name suggests, fortress. Among them, towering above those around him, was Manchester City's statuesque Erling Haaland, wearing an elegant pale grey combo of polo neck and relaxed, full trousers. Only a silver necklace over the knit sparkled as a decorative hint. But boy was he about to be eclipsed in the wardrobe department.
The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria collection is unusual in the extreme. It is essentially couture for men and is presented each year in a different Italian location that the designer duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana select with a view of engaging in a dialogue with its history and tradition. This year they went for the big one: Rome. As Dolce says: 'Rome is an extraordinary city, an endless source of inspiration. It embodies our love for Italy and its roots, for the artists and creatives that in time have celebrated it.' Before the show as the invitees enjoyed an aperitivo, he confided to me that 'Rome is intense culturally — it is so different to Milan. You feel the presence and influence of the Vatican. It is a heavy city — not in a bad way, just intense.'
This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue
So when places were taken and the classical music soundtrack started, it perhaps shouldn't have come as such a surprise that the fashion show — the first permitted to be staged here — kicked off with a procession of 'cardinals' in their red vestments, like a scene from Edward Berger's movie Conclave. These took their place on the bridge that connects the castle to the city, the Ponte Sant'Angelo, which is lined with marble angels designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The models then began their own stately procession. We were treated to a visual symphony of luxurious hand-made decorative opulence, inspired, sometimes very literally, by ecclesiastical tailoring. Here, among the pink and black suits were tunic-style pieces that borrowed from the wardrobe of the Catholic Church: copes, chasubles and dalmatics. The embroidery and crystal decoration, the filigree made from gold bullion thread, the use of the cross as a recurring emblem in both clothing and jewellery — all this left us in no doubt that we were witnessing clothing possessed of grandeur.
One golden brass filigree bodice displayed gemstones and crystals like a piece of body armour. Another bodice, constructed from a white fabric that looks like marble, featured a three-dimensional head of Saint Peter with the keys to the kingdom of heaven. And though some of the more extreme expressions would undoubtedly require quite the occasion to get a wearing, there were plenty of embroidered and embellished jackets and trousers that would do service at any dressy event — though admittedly ear-marking the wearer as someone who enjoys spectacle and theatre.
But then the brand's Alta Sartoria is spectacular and theatrical. Those invited to attend are the label's top customers and this cohort decamp annually to whichever Italian city or venue the designers have designated. Last year it was Sardinia, previously it has been Venice and Florence. Alta Sartoria, launched in 2015, meaning literally 'high tailoring', is the male equivalent of what Dolce & Gabbana does for women: Alta Moda ('high fashion'). And like the women who attend those shows (and this week there was one the night before the men's event at Rome's historic Forum), the men at this couture bash place orders for what's on display. Often while the models are actually walking the catwalk. Prices start at about €50,000 and each piece is unique. If you buy one of these outfits you won't ever bump into anyone dressed the same. Not even Erling Haaland.dolcegabbana.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Amanda Holden, 54, sizzles in a yellow string bikini while on a lavish boat during family getaway in Greece
Amanda Holden, 54, sizzles in a yellow string bikini while on a lavish boat during family getaway in Greece

Daily Mail​

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Amanda Holden, 54, sizzles in a yellow string bikini while on a lavish boat during family getaway in Greece

Amanda Holden looked nothing short of sensational on Tuesday as she showed off her enviable figure in a yellow string bikini. The TV personality, 54, wowed fans as she struck a pose on a luxurious boat during her family holiday in Greece. In a snap shared to her Instagram Story, Amanda looked incredible in the skimpy two-piece as she posed by the steering wheel. She shielded her eyes with a pair of gold-framed sunglasses and accessorised with dainty jewellery. Amanda also re-shared a photo of the boat featuring everyone on board, with the caption: 'Captain @noholdenback.' It comes after Amanda revealed her youngest daughter Hollie, 13, has landed her first runway show, walking in London Fashion Week later this year. The radio presenter joked she is the new Kris Jenner as her two lookalike daughters are now following in her showbiz footsteps. Hollie will make her catwalk debut alongside model and university student sister Lexi, 19, who is already signed to Storm Models. When Amanda spoke with MailOnline at Claridge's hotel in London, she revealed that Hollie had 'no idea' that she had bagged her first modelling gig, as the presenter had 'literally only just heard' about it minutes before we sat down. She said: 'Lexi's good, she's sort of dipped her toe in and she's done a couple of photoshoots. She is loving university as well but what she doesn't like doing is taking time off, so I think she'll work it out but it's something she's enjoying. 'She's doing London Fashion Week again in September and we've actually just heard that Hollie is going to be doing it as well.' Amanda continued: 'It's definitely something I think Hollie is going to enjoy she's going to die when I tell her she's doing London Fashion Week this year. 'I literally just heard she got it and she's gone for the week with my mum in Cornwall so I'll have to ring her after.' She joked: 'With both girls doing it, I do feel like Kris Jenner now. We need our own reality show. Oh my god, yeah here we go, I could see that'. Despite the TV stars hopes of a family reality show, which could follow her daughter's nepo baby friends including Simon Cowell's son Eric and Alesha Dixon's daughter Azura, Amanda's daughter Lexi 'wouldn't want to be on camera'. She revealed: 'But one of my daughters would do [a TV show] but Lexi wouldn't want to be on camera, that's irony, whereas Hollie would, definitely.' Amanda added that teenager Hollie currently loves coming to Britain's Got Talent as she is 'put to work' as a runner and causes 'mayhem' with Simon's son Eric. She said: 'She loves coming with me to Britain's Got Talent, she makes Simon his ginger tea, she likes to be a little runner, so when she comes, they put her to work. 'She likes the crew hoodie, the snacks, she delivers snacks to the desk, goes around with Eric, creating absolute mayhem behind the scenes, god knows what they get up to anyway. 'She doesn't watch any of the show though, although she did when she decided to press the golden buzzer anyway. She didn't get a slap on the wrist because Eric was with her, so that's all good.'

Three ways to get celebs' looks for less and still be as stylish as Alexa Chung
Three ways to get celebs' looks for less and still be as stylish as Alexa Chung

The Sun

time3 hours ago

  • The Sun

Three ways to get celebs' looks for less and still be as stylish as Alexa Chung

CELEBRITIES have wardrobes most of us can only dream of. However, you don't always need a bulging budget to copy their style. 8 If you're inspired by outfits from an A-lister, here's how to get the look for less . . . BUY THEIR STUFF: Just like the rest of us looking to make some quick cash, many high-profile figures sell off their preloved items on second-hand sites. This gives fans a great opportunity to stock their wardrobe at a cut price. Style setter Alexa Chung recently sold off items from her closet on Vinted, with her things listed from £35. You can also buy items from reality stars Molly-Mae Hague, Georgia Toffolo, Ferne McCann and Katie Price on the app. Just follow your favourite celebrities on apps and you'll see when they release goods for sale. DUPE IT: If you spot a celeb wearing an outfit you like, chances are that it has a designer price tag. However, you can use website to find a similar product for less. You can put in the URL web address of the item if you know exactly where it's from, or upload a picture if you just like the look of something worn by a celeb. Either way, will show you cheaper options. OUTLET: If you want to get your hands on gear from a celeb's favourite designer, you may be able to find some cheap ones through outlet stores. Many top designers sell off previous collections with deep discounts through special outlet shops. I've made £5.6k on Vinted and here are the 7 items you need to upload now to make cash quick - white maxi skirts will sell instantly for a start These stores are usually grouped together so you can make a day of shopping for cut-price labels. Bicester Village in Oxfordshire is home to top names including Gucci, Saint Laurent and The White Company. You can also head to the O2 in London for discounts on top brands including Adidas and Kate Spade. Or McArthurGlen, which has shopping centres dotted around the UK, features designer discount stores. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 8 Deal of the day 8 KICK back in your outdoor space with this set of two sunloungers. It is reduced from £80 to £45 at Cheap treat TUCK into this Flair pistachio Dubai chocolate cake bar, £1.50, from Iceland. Top swap PRIME and illuminate your skin with Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter foundation, £39 from Or save some cash with MCoBeauty Flawless Glow, £13 from Superdrug. Shop & save BAG this F&F at Tesco tiered midi dress for £15, down from £29.50. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 8 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

Who is Venus Williams' fiancé Andrea Preti? Meet the actor and model who stole the tennis champion's heart
Who is Venus Williams' fiancé Andrea Preti? Meet the actor and model who stole the tennis champion's heart

Daily Mail​

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Who is Venus Williams' fiancé Andrea Preti? Meet the actor and model who stole the tennis champion's heart

Venus Williams may have won a singles match on Tuesday - but the champion tennis player is very much a taken woman. The 45-year-old star confirmed her engagement to Andrea Preti during a post-match interview following her first-round victory at the D.C. Open on Tuesday. The Grand Slam winner not only made an unexpected return to the tennis court, beating fellow American Peyton Stearns, but she also dropped the news of her bride-to-be status. 'My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,' Williams, who was first linked to Preti a year ago, said, adding: 'He's never seen me play.' News the athlete was dating the actor-director, 37, was first thrust into the public eye last July, with snaps of the loved-up couple canoodling on a yacht in Nerano, Italy, making the rounds online. Williams has remained relatively private about her romantic life. Previously, the tennis champion dated model Elio Pis in 2012 before being linked to wealthy financier Nicholas Hammond in 2017. Williams is a seven-time Major winner with five Wimbledon titles to her name as well as two US Open victories. She has also won Olympic golds in singles and doubles events - where she competed alongside her famous sister Serena Williams - and has won around $42 million in prize money over the course of her iconic career. Below, FEMAIL dives into everything you need to know about the pro-player's fiancé. Who is Andrea Petri? Andrea Preti is a model, actor and director who is native to Denmark, but moved to Italy as a teenager, according to IMDb. He also attended the Susan Batson Academy for acting in New York City. He began his career working on TV in commercials and movies, before changing his focus into writing and directing. After attending the illustrious academy, Preti wrote, directed, and starred in the 2014 indie film One More Day. The performer has also appeared in several Italian productions, including the popular drama A Professor and the 2023 series Temptation. He was also a contestant on the Italian reality version of The Mole (La Talpa) in 2023. When did the couple start dating? Preti was first linked to Williams in July 2024, sparking romance rumors while boating around Nerano together. While taking in the stunning views of Amalfi Coast, the athlete and actor-director looked cozy as they whispered into each other's ears under the warm Italian sunshine. In one snapshot, Preti wrapped his arm around the seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has kept her love life extremely private over the past few years. The couple first sparked engagement rumors in February 2025, after Williams was seen practicing in Italy with a huge ring on her wedding finger. Venus previously said she 'doesn't feel the need to get married' and even joked about being 'undateable' Williams has previously spoke about how she doesn't feel the need to get married or settle down in her future. In 2021, she told Cosmopolitan: 'I have a lot of friends who don't believe me when I say that I like my life and I don't want to change it for any reason.' 'I'm not desperate and they don't believe me,' she insisted. 'They say things like, "You're going to miss your window." I'm like, "Please, relax. You might feel this way, but I don't. I promise you I don't."' Also in 2021, during a chat with ESPN's Chrissie Evert, Williams joked about her lack of love life, saying, 'I'm very single. Actually, I might be undateable.' A year later, in 2022, she candidly discussed how it can be 'easy to get stuck in a single life.' 'I've had a single life for a long time and I think it's really easy to get stuck in a single life and sometimes – at least for me – harder to get out of a single life,' she told Glamour. She continued: 'So, that's probably something I'm working on now and it makes you think about yourself and what you want and how to behave. It's definitely a lot of self-thought that goes into it. 'And I guess for other people they are running to a relationship, which has never been my thing. So, we're all different. This is how I work and function, and I'm OK with it.' She added: 'When life changes, you've got to know when to change. You can't hold on to either a relationship or the singleness. You have to be able to move at the time – and even if you don't want to or aren't ready, you've just got to go with it.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store