India is recognized for its rich cultural heritage, bright colours, lovely food and wide-ranging landscapes. From the Tartar Desert in Rajasthan to the backwater canals of Kerala and the sprawling beaches of Goa and the larger than life metropolis of Delhi and Mumbai, the colours, smells and religion and architecture of India have been seducing travellers for millennia. In 2012, Vogue India celebrates another strong heritage, that of Dolce&Gabbana and Sicily through the Alta Moda Collection.

Set in the Dr Bhau Lad Museum in Mumbai, the third oldest museum in India, was built in 1872 to act as an imperial equivalent of the Albert and Victoria Museum in London. In its 150^th year, the museum is undergoing a thorough renovation, and the typically Victorian pomp and opulence is coming back to life.

Though not Baroque in style, the museum’s intricate work of a definite European inspiration sets a beautiful scene for the Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda Collection, and one cannot but draw some parallels between the setting and the Sicilian inspiration of the garments.

The figure hugging stretch tulle and lace surposé mermaid dress with double duchesse bow and cobalt blue underwear, the pink Mikado 1950s style dress with Burano lace overlay and even the double duchesse suit with padded peplum waist all fit in with the magnificent space.

The fabrics and intricate details reflect the internal architecture, while the constructed jacket does recall those mini blazers worn by Victorian ladies who may have walked the halls of the museum well before the model walked its halls. The flowing materials and embroidery at the same time are reminiscent of the traditional swathes of luxurious fabrics used in saris.

Credits: Vogue India

Stylist: Priyanka Tewari

Photographer: Norbert Kniat

Model: Lisa Haydon