There is something inherently satisfying for us, journalists/stylist, working within Dolce&Gabbana, when we see the collection, which we all know and love, interpreted by others. And when the interpretation is so out there it may even seem shocking to the conservative, us revisionist Dolce&Gabbana lovers really do jump up and down with joy.

Bullet magazine, an American trimestral publication which launched in 2010 is a hybrid of fashion and art. A part of BULLETT Media, a print and interactive “transmedia” company that curates bold, engaging fashion, art, film and music for young, international tastemakers.

Bullet claims that through its viewpoint they redefine media, and well, in this particular shoot, photographer Charlie Engman, set designer James Orlando and stylist Melissa Rubini really have redefined the Dolce&Gabbana FW13 collection and its inspiration.

In a postmodern view of Fellini and Dolce&Gabbana’s Baroque Romanticism, the collection takes on a whole new guise. The shoot called La Vita Dolce, an intentional reversal of the famous title of the movie, and much loved source of inspiration, the concept is turned on its head, but is no less “Dolce” than a traditional interpretation.

Embroidered capes, cherub printed prom dresses and tulle clouds are shot in what we normally would consider out of contest. But is it? Domenico Dolce once said that once the collection emerges from the backstage onto the runway, it no longer feels like his own. In that case, the collection becomes ours, in a public use of us, and we are allowed to do with it as we please.

Apart from the somewhat eerie setting, the kaleidoscopic still lives, and the model’s multi coloured hair and somewhat forlorn look which reminds us of the days of the heroin chic trend, (which today have become acid chic), what stands out the most s the fact that the Dolce&Gabbana collection, with its strong message, strong aesthetic and even stronger italian heritage seems at ease, even congruous to this postmodern, gritty, American interpretation.

This, is what makes a collection special, that you can turn it on its head, project on it your own vision, and still, its message, and beauty are never diluted.

Credits: Bullett

Photographer: Charlie Engman

Set designer: James Orlando

Stylist: Melissa Rubini