Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

The end of October is always full of surprises, first of all there is Andrea’s birthday and we never know what the celebrations will entail, and then there is Halloween, and what better place to celebrate these two occasions, than in Milan.

Today, The New Dolce Vita, follows just one of us, Andrea, and for this year’s celebrations, I took The New Dolce Vita muse, Lilian Monteiro, with me to Milan.

We, Lilian and myself, were not heading to Milan without a plan, no. We were invited to a very special happening that has become a yearly event in Milan; it goes by the name of Hallowood, a party thrown (in part) by Fashion Photographer Giampaolo Sgura, and is attended by those in the know-how from the Milan fashion scene (and then some).

So, first thing first… our Hallowood costumes. The theme of this year’s Hallowood was within the realm of Mythology and voila, after a spot of inspiration lent from Kylie Minogue’s tour dancers, we had it, Ancient Roman Gladiators. After a few days of chasing down costumes and couple of phone calls to Swide, we pieced together our look complete with a couple of special items from Dolce&Gabbana.

After a quick visit to Swide’s producer’s house to collect a couple of special pieces that helped finish our look, we got ourselves ready and prepared ourselves for the night ahead. With our helmets in place, Lilian's Dolce&Gabbana stars shining bright and my golden chest and ornate staff  ready for war, we headed to Hallowood.

 

When we entered, the mix of glorious mythological costumes created blissful confusion as to who lay beyond the mask. A guessing game ensued; who was who? who was what?... 

 

Amongst the party revellers we discovered a shimmering elf having a drink, a dancing Medusa, Greek pillars, a Minotaur and then we spotted a couple of familiar faces. Dotted to perfection in fruits, mainly grapes might I add, and with a ruby red bow gathering the material to create a much needed touch of drama to his look, was Fashion Director Luca FInotti. We could not believe our eyes. Fabulous doesn't cut it, and we couldn't pass on the chance to snap a photo of him... 

 (l-r clockwise) Andrea Ravieli, Luca Finotti, Simone Nobili, our friend Marco, Samuele Visentin and Lilian. 

A photo that I will never forget. A perfect example of what the New Dolce Vita entails. Another familiar face, extremely familiar face, was also there and it seems that we had raided the same wardrobe for our Hallowood outfits...

 Me with Stefano Gabbana

Yes, Stefano Gabbana was there, also fit for a fight as a Gladiator, but we settled for a photo opportunity instead. With that, the clock struck midnight and I welcomed my birthday in with those around me and, unlike Cinderella, I partied into the early hours, occasionally playing a game of 'who's who'. 

Next day it was time to refresh and take a walk through the design quarter of Milan, Tortona, and amble our way to a cosy café. With our jackets on and our boots on, we hit the streets and met a special friend of mine.

 

 

The day was edged with grey but the shimmering sequins of Lilian's skirt added a golden glow to where ever we went... So much so, that we got caught in a moment of disco. 

 

After taking a moment to check out the graffiti that lined the streets we arrived at our destination, Caffé Savona, an art/design café, which was the perfect place for a simple Birthday lunch and hot chocolate with two close friends.

 

Unknown to me, Lilian had whispered a little something to the waitress and, whilst we were enjoying a well deserved hot chocolate (and I took a moment to reply to those who had wished me Happy Birthday on-line), I was surprised with a delicious piece of cake complete with a candle for me blow out (you are allowed to indulge on your Birthday guys). 

 

After whiling the time away with conversation and stories from the night before, we decided to head back to the flat and to start preparing for the next night out... after all... who says one Halloween party is enough? But that's another story.

To see what else we get up to in The New Dolce Vita, click below.

Written by Andrea Ravieli and Enrico Costantini

 

TAGS: dolce&gabbana d&g dolce & gabbana d & g luxury online magazine stefano gabbana domenico dolce the new dolce vita andrea ravieli enrico costantini blog milano hallowood birthday halloween costume giampaolo sgura luca finotti simone nobili samuele visentin gladiator tortona