For those of you who don’t follow Stefano Gabbana on Instagram (@stefanogabbana), you’re seriously missing out. In-between bouncing up and down on a mini trampoline to the tune of Despacito (in tighty whities, no less) and frolicking with a blow up doll on the deck of his yacht, the Italian designer found time to start a beef with The New York Times in the middle of Milan Fashion Week (after the newspaper begged the question “Does Milan Matter?”). Gabbana is of course no stranger to controversy. In fact, he even embraces it and profits from it, as he did back in the summer by rolling out $250 #BoycottDolce&Gabbana t-shirts in a response to the criticism he drew by dressing First Lady Melania Trump for her first European tour. Love him or not, the man puts on a good show, and the spring ‘18 collection was no exception.
Actually, there were two presentations, the first being a “secret show” featuring the latest crop of influencers — aka the children of several boldfaced names. There were plenty of Sophia Loren-worthy riffs on the brand’s now iconic corset dresses, but perhaps the best accessory was the branded noodles created in collaboration with Naples-based Pasta di Martino. The message on the packaging: family, pasta, Italy…and of course, Dolce & Gabbana — what’s more Italian than that?
Speaking of “influencers,” Donatella Versace reminded tutto il mondo who really sets the tone in fashion by bringing back Supermodels Carla, Claudia, Naomi, Cindy and Helena — in gold lamé gowns, no less — in a poignant tribute to her late brother Gianni. Touching, to be sure, but several critics were opposed to the nostalgia that seeped into a collection resting heavily on garish, throwback silks.
And just when you thought every fashion trope to have ever emerged from Milano had been trotted out, Jeremy Scott officially signaled the arrival of “spring” with wearable “bouquets.” Regardless of wearability, considering everything that’s currently dominating the headlines — are over-the-top florals something we can all get behind?
