Spring is certainly coming, I know that.

But although the title of the party, ‘La Bella Estate’, inspired me, I didn't expect to feel the full warmth of summer among the guests of Messers Dolce and Gabbana's after-show party for the FW 12/13 Fashion Show.

And yet, on my arrival, there she is: Gold (Piazza Risorgimento, angle Via Carlo Poerio) is transformed into a Sicilian summer night’s dream. The lemon trees, the palms, the evocative music from the 50's and the 60's make you feel like you are on a vacation in the South of Italy, back in time. With cocktail in hand, I venture into the crowd.

There are two open bars, with kind waiters dressed old époque style who quickly provide you with any drink you can think of, but people - instead of moving away from the bar as soon as they get their drinks - linger to catch in the mirrors who's next to them. Rushing here is not permitted, and I love that. There is a relaxed atmosphere, just like when you stroll the streets of small towns in Italy after dinner during summer, to look and to be looked at.

As I decide to walk towards the lounge, with sofas and soft lights, I realise Helen Mirren just entered the room with husband Taylor Hackford. What a lovely, academy-award winning couple they are! She smiles to everyone and she looks regal in her violet dress.

Helen Mirren in Dolce&Gabbana 

I can't believe I am in the middle of Milan, in February: everyone is dressed in stunning Dolce&Gabbana outfits that wink to summer and just as I am thinking that, top model Marpessa, the first muse of Dolce&Gabbana ever, arrives in a pink, flower-speckled dress, worn just like only she can. As I am talking to Giuliano, our Editor-in-Chief, she comes and kisses him, laughing and waving to "jealous" guests around us.

Marpessa in Dolce&Gabbana 

While I try to reach the other side of the room, I confess that as a Foodie I have to indulge and taste the Sicilian treats carefully placed in paper cones - just as they do in markets in Sicily – I grab (as discreetly as possible) from the trays of passing waiters. What amazes me is that they are warm: how do you keep fried treats warm when they need to travel, making space among 400 guests? But most importantly: how do you say no to them?

Bianca Balti has arrived: beautiful and ethereal as a butterfly. Smiley and easy-going, she floats through the crowd.

Bianca Balti in Dolce&Gabbana 

It's now the turn of "Mambo Italiano" for the DJ-set and I spot more than one guest trying to look composed as they can't help but dance to this rhythm.

It doesn't feel like an after-show party, it feels mostly like a night among friends. I can see it by the way people look at each other. It's like everyone knows everyone, and is enjoying a laugh without thinking about tomorrow, when Monday will arrive and we’ll be back to reality. It's like a spell in which we get to know each other like family even if I never saw these people before, and the atmosphere stays cosy and familiar, somehow. There is no space for bragging here, because each one of us feels important, and embraced.

On the walls are hanging the photos of the Dolce&Gabbana Women's campaign and the beautiful portraits of a special Italian family composed by Bianca Balti, Monica Bellucci and Simone Nobili catch my attention as one of the very protagonists of the photo walks in, Monica Bellucci, filling the room with a beautiful blush pink dress. She takes some pictures with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana and she is already out of sight, disappearing in the crowd like a wonderful creature from some other world.

Monica Bellucci in Dolce&Gabbana

I notice that Sonam Kapoor has chosen black for tonight's outfit just as Bianca has, and yet they are radiant in their natural beauty, brightening up the room.

Sonam Kapoor in Dolce&Gabbana 

Just when I think that it could not get better, Roberto Bolle enters the scene: the handsome first ballet dancer of La Scala is easy-going and happy, dancing even when standing still, carrying himself with a gracefulness I thought belonged to gods only.

Beatrice Carbone and Roberto Bolle in Dolce&Gabbana 

Eventually I spot Andrea Dellal, Franca Sozzani and Bianca Brandolini, laughing and enjoying the night as the video about Dolce&Gabbana Women's campaign by Luca Finotti plays on one of the walls.

Andrea Dellal in Dolce&Gabbana

Bianca Brandolini d'Adda, Franca Sozzani and Coco Brandolini 

I have the feeling it's going to be hard tomorrow morning when I'll wake up from this dream, but for now I am happy, having taken advantage of this summery night in a still wintery Milan. There you go: Messers Dolce and Gabbana have worked their magic once again.

Written by: Elisa della Barba