Fireworks are made with gunpowder for the propulsion and explosion and metals which create the colours. Its infinitely romantic that something that originates from warfare can bring people together in celebration. Fireworks, like gunpowder originate in China, as early as the 7^th century. Historical sources state that fireworks were common during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), with lavish celebrations held to celebrate emperors and military victories. In the 13^th Century, the knowledge of fireworks moved west through Arab traders who discovered the uses of gunpowder from the Chinese. Only in the 18^th century, however, in France, did fireworks start to become a feature of celebrations in Europe.

 Spring Summer 2012 Dolce&Gabbana colection. The sequind fringes look like the legs of a pyrotechnic spider.

Pyrotechnic displays have now become a permanent fixture in the sky during a wide variety of celebrations. Of course, in China, who are still the largest producers of fireworks, they are a common sight in the sky, during religious and state festivities. In India too, fireworks are central to the religious festival Diwali, the Festival of Lights. While in Japan, pyrotechnic displays are common in summer, as an occasion to celebrate the mild weather and a chance to be together as a family, or community watching the displays. A show is recorded in almost every city during the month of August, totalling around 200 each year.

The crystal embellishments give an ephemeral quality to the dress.

In the West, firework displays are also common. In the US, Independence Day on the 4^th of July is an occasion to light up the night’s sky. While in UK, on Guy Fawkes night, on the 5^th of November, firework displays are used to remember the foiled plot to raze Parliament to the grown with gunpowder.

Throughout the world, fireworks are a way to celebrate New Years. Lavish firework displays are organised in the capital cities around the world and are a cause of awe, celebration and keen criticism each year.

Lace and crystals, delicate and sparkly like a firework.

The glittering lights, bright colours, mesmerizing shapes against the midnight blue background are extremely evocative and have inspired Messers Dolce and Gabbana for a part of their Spring Summer 2012 collection. The main inspiration for the collection was a typical Italian village fete. The conviviality, the celebration, the complicity of these events inspired 1950s silhouettes, horticultural prints and a portion of the collection with crystal embellishments.

The Spring Summer 2012 collection finale is real display of imagination and craftmanship.

During the festivities referenced by the designers, firework displays, as well as multicoloured decorations on the street were common. In a real coup de theatre, with the masterful craft and imagination typical of Dolce&Gabbana, fireworks have been transported onto fine tulle and fashioned into eye popping evening wear.

This bustier is sure to provide a real bang to any entrance.

In anticipation of  truly magnificent pyrotechnic displays come the 31^st of December, we wish you a 2012 full of light.

Styled by: Yuri Ahn

Written by: Valentina Zannoni

Credits: Dolce&Gabbana