Dolce&Gabbana’s Alta Gioielleria collection was inspired by the magical city of Venice.
Dolce&Gabbana’s latest Alta Gioielleria collection was presented to VIPs in the opulent Senate Chamber in the Palazzo Ducale at the Doge’s Palace in Venice. As part of a week of events that invited celebrities and VIPs from around the world the Italian fashion house showcased their newest high jewellery creations in a spectacular setting. More opulent than a royal palace, more sumptuous than a princely residence, the Doge’s Palace enchants and captivates the imagination of visitors wherever they look. Thus making it the perfect destination to be illuminated with the most precious jewels from the Italian brand.
Just as every piece of the jewellery collection tells the unrepeatable story of infinite tasks of manual craftsmanship, so the Doge’s Palace contains an extraordinary stratification of styles by the great masters of art, who over time have contributed to celebrating the glory of the city and its inhabitants. The impressive setting features the exceptional backdrop offered of Tintoretto’s Paradise (1518-1594), the largest painting on canvas, making every moment spent in this enchanted place wholly unforgettable.
Much like the brand’s men’s and women’s collections, the jewellery creations were inspired by the historical city of Venice. The designers have included nods to local artisanal techniques throughout the collection, as well as employing traditional Italian crafts in a bid to support this ever-shrinking industry. Each piece has some form of Italian craftsmanship embedded in it. From the miniature works of art, made from hand-blown Murano glass to the micromosaics using ancient methods of glass paste spinning. The designers worked with craftsmen using the last existing historical furnace in the city.
In a more literal nod to the city, some pieces feature scenes of the Venetian landscapes including the Basilica and the Grand Canal, in the style of a miniature Canaletto masterpiece framed by gemstones. Each piece is adorned with impressive coloured gemstones. From citrine, amethyst, and pink beryls to a 1-carat electric-blue Paraiba tourmaline and a bold 110-carat yellow diamond. Each stone was carefully chosen for its reflection of the colours of some of the city’s iconic architecture.
Diamonds are also a key element of the collection, this being the first time the designers have explored this area in such detail and they don’t disappoint! One of the most impressive stones is the 54.88-carat D flawless Constanza, which falls from a Renaissance style collar of dazzling white diamond medallions – a true show stopper! The designers ensured ethical sourcing of all the diamonds used in the collection, following each stone’s traceability from the mines in Botswana to their final destination.
The collection also includes six watches, including the automatic winding San Marco, inspired by the great 15th-century clock tower in St Mark’s Square, as well as iconic tiaras, brooches, opulent rings and spectacular necklaces, all embodying the spirit of this beautiful city combined with the Italian heritage of the brand.
