The Dolce&Gabbana Fall Winter 2013 collections, both the men and the women’s, look towards Baroque for inspiration. The sheer opulence of the clothing and accessories, which reflect the ostentatious mannerism of the period are clear, but also the single patterns and embroideries look towards the artistic details which underscored the crafts synonymous with Baroque.

The stone and stucco friezes which embellish the grand baroque buildings became the inspiration for the intricate gold designs which embellish cape, coats, blazers, jumpers and even socks and shoes in the Dolce&Gabbana women's FW13 collection.

The intricate and over the top details which characterizes Baroque architecture was born of the Counter Reformation. The post Lutheran period, where a schism from the Roman Catholic faith, and especially its traditions, resulted in the birth of Protestantism, is known as the Reformation. The minimalist version of Christianity looked towards streamlining the traditions and dogma in stark contrast to the opulent Catholic practices. 

One of the most iconic representations of religious baroque architecture is Bernini’s Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, with its obelisk, colonnade and dozens of statues. Sicily though is dotted with inspirational baroque buildings too. The Catania Cathedral, designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the Church of San Giorgio in Ragusa by Rosario Gagliardi and the San Nicolò monastery also in Catania have surely inspired the golden ringlets of the Dolce&Gabbana FW 13 womenswear collection.

Dolce&Gabbana FW2013 Baroque Frieze inspired trims.

Fashion designers tend to look towards the most disparate areas of daily life, and art for inspiration. Dolce&Gabbana have always tended to look closer to home, and for the Fall Winter 2013 collections, Baroque, Sicily and their ostentatious glamour caught their eye and resulted in a counter reformist collection: Dolce&Gabbana versus the return of minimalism.

Written by: Valentina Zannoni

Credits: Dolce&Gabbana