GARDEN PARTY The D&G Summer 2011 Women's collection is a day in the garden. It starts early in the morning with gardening outfits made of canvas dungarees and trousers and it goes on with a picnic, mixing flowery prints with vichy patterns. It then follows on with a cocktail where light, flower-printed, poplin summer dresses take centre stage and it ends with a party al fresco where it is imperative to show up in long floral chiffon gowns. Roses, hydrangeas, freesias, violets and mimosas: these are the symbols of this collection, which mixes different floral prints with vichy patterns, denim and canvas, printed patent leather shoes and the iconic Lily Twist.
SICILIAN SENSUALITY. The tailoring tradition of the collection is developed with the usage of bed linens, bedspreads, towels and tablecloths. Chiffon and stretch chiffon, brocade, charming stretch, jersey lace, macramé, extra light linen and linen organza, silk, poplin, muslin and crochet. Predominance of white dresses with a touch of black and influx of leopard print and flowers. The need and desire to slow down from the hectic rhythm of life thus taking back one's own time. The whole collection turns around the concepts of a more relaxed and sensual kind of elegance and tradition, that characterize the typical trousseau of Southern Italy.
Nacrée The sheen of mother-of-pearl, the iridescence that transforms colours into watery reflections. Light that becomes shape, shape that is distilled into the purest lines. The more important the role of the fabric, the more conceptual the line of the garment. Defined, even beneath skirts and dresses, by wafer thin trousers with a slight slit at the front. The jackets, cut on the bias for greater fluidity and freed from collars and buttons, are fastened at the bust by a tiny hook concealed within. The dresses come in a range of different lengths, from knee to ankle, cascading over the body like glistening water. Invoking an utterly modern elegance that rejoices in gleaming silks and satins in aqueous and mineral colours nuanced between green and azure. Culminating in the see-through dress that appears to be covered in minute drops of water applied to a mesh base. In a game of subtractions and reversals, precious evening gowns are worn with flat shoes, while day dresses call for high heels.
There's nothing understated in the colors, orange, green and royal blue; the stripes, decisively bold; and the patterns, from bananas to cherubs to monkeys. But there are also frills for a more feminine touch. Miuccia Prada's skirts are tight-fitting and to the knee, but matched with looser jackets or tops, some echoing the men's collection presented in the summer with V-necks that evoke doctor shirts. The outfits are paired with wedged sneakers high enough to give basketball court advantage.
