Dolce & Gabbana Hits The High Notes With Breathtaking Costumes For 'La Traviata'

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have made no secret of their love of opera. Not only are the duo regulars at and “fondatori sostenitori” (benefactors) of Milan’s famed Teatro alla Scala, their creative vision also shares multiple parallels with the world of opera, as an art form characterised by extravagance, flamboyance, evocation, and of course, drama. As Gabbana put it, “Opera is drama. Very Italian drama.”

Now, the designers are taking their passion a step further by collaborating with the Teatro alla Scala on costumes for a new rendition of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata (marking the theatre’s re-opening after lockdown) conducted by renowned maestro Zubin Mehta. Echoing last December’s Alta Moda show, which drew inspiration from 12 classic operas, Dolce & Gabbana dreams up several breathtaking gowns for the characters of Violetta Valéry and Flora Bervoix, here played by sopranos Marina Rebeka and Chiara Isotton, respectively.

These opulent ensembles include a voluminous, lace-trimmed gown flourishing with flowers and foliage, a tulle confection delicately embellished with vibrant roses, and a bell-sleeved dress edged with feathers along its fluid layers — each magnificent creation evincing the singularity of the Italian house’s “Fatto a Mano” (made by hand) artistry.