The Renaissance of Fashion: Beyond Castles and Among the Youth
Dolce and Gabbana presented the FW25 collection at Milan Fashion Week.
The creative duo staged a show that blurred the lines between theater and an outdoor party, narrating the essence of the contemporary cool girl. Collection masterfully blended jewel dresses, sensuality, and streetwear. The show opened with the brand’s latest campaign, featuring top Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, walking through the urban landscape of New York City, embodying the unmistakable Dolce & Gabbana aesthetic.
A Front Row of Stars
The event was attended by a stellar front row, including Kim So-hyun, Choi San, Michele Morrone, Alessia Marcuzzi, Naomi Campbell, Achille Lauro, Annalisa, Blanco, Heart Evangelista, Leonie Hanne, Fai Khadra, Delilah Belle, Tamara Kalinic, Jessie Andrews, Sandra Shehab, Veneda, and Sydney Lima.
A Collection Dedicated to Today’s Youth and Their Approach to Fashion
The Location: Metropol, Via Piave
Show took place at the Metropol, Dolce & Gabbana’s multi-purpose space in the heart of Milan, housed within a former 1940s cinema. The original structure was completely renovated and expanded by about 1,000 square meters to host an event hall and various reception spaces, reaching a total of 3,500 square meters.
The iconic Metropol sign was preserved, while the façade was redesigned with vertically twisted steel blades, creating a kinetic effect that changes depending on the viewer’s perspective and the daylight conditions.
Building unfolds across four above-ground floors and a basement, featuring a double-height entrance halladorned with a large black Murano glass chandelier, basalt flooring reminiscent of Sicilian streets, and walls covered in glossy black glass.
Main hall, located on an elevated floor, is equipped with a removable runway, two modular grandstands, and a lift platform for scenic elements. Nine towering 15-meter arches, originally part of the cinema’s structure, were maintained and repurposed, lending rhythm and lightness to the space. The 700-square-meter main hall, complemented by a 200-square-meter stage and backstage area, is entirely black, with industrial-style anthracite floors and a lighting system composed of three central rows of adjustable spotlights.
Venue includes interview rooms on the first floor, private reception areas on the second, and a flexible backstage in the basement, adaptable for various event needs. Two indoor gardens, filled with Mediterranean vegetation like palm trees and agaves, provide natural light and an intimate atmosphere.
The Runway Expands Outdoors
Show extended to an elevated outdoor runway, accessible via two staircases, with Vittoria from Måneskindelivering an exclusive DJ set. Wearing one of the collection’s key looks, she created the show’s soundtrack, setting the stage for an electrifying finale where all the models danced on the catwalk.
The FW25 Collection by Dolce & Gabbana: A Celebration of Modern Femininity
Dolce & Gabbana FW25 collection was not just a runway show—it was a statement about fashion’s accessibility. A large crowd gathered outside the venue, eager to catch glimpses of the spectacle, prompting questions about whether fashion should break down its exclusive barriers and find new ways to engage audiences, perhaps through immersive presentations or resort-style showcases.
The Looks: A Balance of Elegance and Street Cool
The collection was centered around jewel dresses, illuminating both the models and the runway itself. These garments, adorned with crystals and precious stones, were the essence of the show’s opulent yet contemporary aesthetic.
The early looks drew inspiration from the 1920s, featuring fluid silhouettes, feathers, and intricate embellishments. Lace, embroidery, Swarovski crystals, and feathers adorned mini dresses and even denim pieces, bringing a modern edge to vintage glamour.
Not all cuts were traditionally tailored; relaxed, flowing fits played with lengths and proportions. Dolce & Gabbana’s signature sharp, body-conscious silhouettes were softened by oversized outerwear, borrowing elements from menswear. While lingerie-inspired slip dresses hinted at sensuality, cargo pants studded with jewels added an unexpected urban contrast.
A Thoughtful Approach to Styling
The styling choices were equally intentional. Models wore caps seemingly borrowed from boyfriends after a night out, reinforcing the effortless, youthful attitude of the collection.
Oversized jackets and coats channeled a masculine edge, juxtaposed with delicate lingerie and sleek satin slip dresses, highlighting the duality of modern femininity.
A Renaissance for Fashion
Dolce and Gabbana FW25 is reshaping fashion’s role for today’s youth—not just as clothing, but as a means of self-expression. The designers understand that the younger generation sees fashion as a way to define their individuality, not just as an exclusive status symbol.
To embrace this, the brand moves beyond traditional rules and rigid aesthetics, opening new dialogues in contemporary fashion. Street style today is not just about trends; it’s about freedom—a freedom that perfectly mirrors the new mindset of Gen Z and younger Millennials.
A Fresh Perspective on Fashion
Dolce and Gabbana FW25 show offered a bold new vision—one that many in the industry resist, clinging to old structures. But fashion no longer belongs within castle walls; it needs a true Renaissance. The industry must evolve, embracing fresh perspectives, youthful energy, and new aesthetic codes.
In this mix of heritage and modernity, Dolce & Gabbana has found a compelling new narrative, making the brand more dynamic, more accessible, and more relevant to a diverse audience.
Because, after all, in a world that’s rapidly changing, the true essence of luxury lies in the freedom to express oneself.
