D&G Blu Mediterraneo: Pre-Fall

Whether multicoloured or blue and white, you probably know the look. As a matter of fact, the pieces are synonymous with the house, and will potentially go down as one of its most iconic designs. But while the obvious assumption is that these items depict pottery, the history of D&G Blu Mediterraneo is a bit more fluid.

D&G Blu Mediterraneo

When Dolce & Gabbana models come strutting down the catwalk, they often wear frocks emblazoned with depictions of Italian culture. Dolce & Gabbana takes inspiration directly from the centuries-old ceramic tradition of the ancient Caltagirone Maiolica in shades of white and blue.

The ‘calligraphic-naturalistic’ majolica decoration is the absolute protagonist of the entire theme. Patterns and decorations taken directly from the Mediterranean ceramics stand repeated on many fabrics. Dresses in ultra-light chiffon, silk twill pyjamas, jumpsuits, and a one-shoulder kaftan. All the looks pay homage to the art of majolica.

Still, you may be wondering what exactly makes majolica so special. Firstly, as Peter Bell pointed out, “its colour is preserved with the same intensity that it came out of the kiln 500 years ago. Which is extremely rare.” When you look at different types of art, like paintings, drawings, glass, and textiles – the colour always fades. Continuing on, he pointedly adds, “But I know that so much of what continues to be popular today is the hand-painted patterns themselves.”