Spring summer 1987: the power of a Dolce & Gabbana transformation.

Innovative versatile clothing was the duo’s obsession back in 1987; the focus was on developing new fabrics and sketching transformable pieces.

Back in the early days of Dolce&Gabbana, Domenico and Stefano wanted to experiment and to venture off the beaten track. They wanted to differentiate themselves and the label they had just created by offering something new and modern, clothes that one could re-interpret. No soft, polished looks went down the SS 87 catwalk, think reversible vests or dresses, velcro tabs to add a strap to a top or shorten a skirt. The collection was a projection in the future, the two designers even wrote “futuristi” on some of their designs.

The making up of this Trasformismo collection was the occasion for them to technically work hand in hand with manufacturers and invent new fabrics. From this, were created a double transparent organza jersey and the first stretch silk.

Trasformismo was not a commercial offer; it could not even stay on the rags. It was the expression of wild passions and a youthful enthusiasm. The clothes were meant to be worn to reveal a certain shape; they needed to hang on a body. When fashion photographer Fabrizio Ferri saw Trasformismo, he instantly pictured it worn by Amira Casar in Pantelleria, an Italian Island near the Sicilian coast. The Sicilian identity of Dolce&Gabbana was announced and was to become stronger seasons after seasons. Sicily is a land of traditions so the genius of Domenico and Stefano lies in their ability to play with contrasts to unveil their creations. The spring summer 1987 collection illustrated an unexpected perfect match between transformation and tradition.