FASHION
“THE IDEA OF ALTA MODA FOR MEN WAS BORN FROM THE DESIRE OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ HUSBANDS TO HAVE THEIR OWN UNIQUE PIECES TO WEAR ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS.”
if required, or embroider the customer’s name on the leader. In this way our pieces are really unique.”
THE ALTA SARTORIA MAN But, in reality, who is the Alta Sartoria man, living a gilded existence in which astrakhan opera cloaks and bejewelled watches - Alta Orologeria for men comprises four antique-looking horological marvels complete with friezes and bas-reliefs fit for an operatic divo - are necessary wardrobe staples? “The idea of Alta Moda for men was born from the desire of our customers’ husbands to have their own unique pieces to wear on special occasions. And so we began our journey into the Alta Sartoria world,” says Gabbana.
COUTURE DREAMS Inspired and encouraged by the women of the world of couture, more than one of whom nonchalantly sported an actual crown to Dolce & Gababana’s front row, these men are seeking to experience similar fashion nirvana. As a reaction, perhaps, to a recent period in menswear in which understated refinement and min-
imalism – chic sneakers and athleisure in particular has crushed joyful flamboyance. “Men, just like their wives or girlfriends, want to enjoy the dreams made by special textures, magical places and travel,” adds Dolce. “Everything was born from there: it is the pleasure of having a rare item of clothing to wear while playing tennis or even while you are comfortable on your sofa at home.” In every aspect of Alta Sartoria, from the location to the attendees to the priceless accessories, the designers have tapped into a grand emotional expression between man and clothing that may have been, if not missing entirely, then certainly overlooked until now. The menswear fashion season has never had the majestic bookend of a couture week, or even cluster of shows, to provide it with a finale and to offer aspirational techniques, cuts and fabrics that push ready-towear collections that little bit further. The typical massimalismo approach of Dolce and Gabbana may just be changing the mood of menswear. “Our customers are asking us to dream,” says Stefano Gabbana. In Alta Sartoria, the dream becomes reality.