Lace for Dolce&Gabbana is an important material, and within the different types of lace, macramé in particular is a key element of the brand’s DNA. Its hand crafted tradition, the associations with ceremonial wear, church décor and Sicilian soft furnishings are all merged into one fabric: macramé.

The collection is inspired by Italian beauty and 50s icons such as Sofia Loren. Cinched waists, full skirts, cropped tops and body hugging shifts all emphasize the woman’s figure and lend that vintage feel to the collection. Macramé of course is central in the SS12 collection, both for its sensuality and fabric.

Macramé on macramé what can be more Dolce&Gabbana than this? The body con silhouette of stretch macramé black lace is a staple, but for SS12 it has been livened up with cream hand applied macramé flowers for a trompe d’oile 3D effect. The accessories are a further mix of classic with innovative. Weaved PVC sandals and a see through PVC large shopper with crochet raffia detailing.

Pastels are big in the SS12 collection, and nothing exemplifies this trend more so than this long sleeved midi macramé shift. In a spectacular shade of light blue, this dress is a champion of classic and modern, fusing macramé with hand applied PVC flowers. Wear it with a weaved aluminium foil shoulder bag with vegetable charms and sexy light blue brocade sandals.

Mix and matching is always an important trend for Dolce&Gabbana. Often the way the mix materials and textures is the foundation of the more irreverent, fun side of the brand. Here, the light blue macramé with PVC flower applications has been matched to a washed, crepé organza in a garish tomato print. The bag is crochet raffia in a dark hue of light blue and it has been embellished with coloured crystals.

PVC is an important element in the SS12 collection. It is been used a lot in the accessories, but it takes form in ready to wear too. Here, a transparent PVC mac is matched to off white macramé. A marriage of happy contrasts: PVC, macramé and coloured jewels. Matched to a black crochet Dolce Bag and macramé peep toe booties with a stiletto heel.

For SS12, due to the collection’s vintage feel, the typical Dolce&Gabbana suit has been revolutionized. It consists of three pieces: cropped jacket with a loose fit, midi pencil skirt and a bralet top. Rigorously in macramé, better if black, the suit is a further bastion of this summer’s aesthetic. The boots, in transparent PVC with crochet details and a weaved PVC heel are the cherry on a macramé cake.

Styled by: Yuri Ahn

Written by: Valentina Zannoni

Credits: Dolce&Gabbana