Open now through March 31 is Dolce & Gabbana’s masterful exhibition, “Du Cœur à la Main” at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris. Curated by Florence Müller, this awe-inspiring show features over 200 unique pieces designed by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The title, which translates to “From the Heart to the Hands,” reflects their deep passion for Italy and their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
The exhibit showcases collections Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria, “where magic and fantasy, legend and reality intertwine,” said Müller. Spread across 10 rooms covering 1,200 square meters, it explores themes of Italian architecture, handcrafted work, music, opera, folk traditions, and the dramatic arts.

Dolce & Gabanna Highlights a Handmade History at the Grand Palais
A priority of the esteemed designer pair is exquisite craftsmanship. This theme can be seen repeated in a number of installations, from partnering with portrait artist Anh Duong, to drawing architectural inspiration. Alta Moda and Alta Gioielleria collections showcase a love for Sicily’s vibrant traditions, from its rich ceramic art and mythological motifs. Influenced by the craftsmanship of Giacomo Serpotta’s 17th- and 18th-century stucco masterpieces, the dramatic tension between the simplicity of white and the opulence of flowing draperies is captured in The White Baroque section.
Dolce & Gabbana take this motif to the next level by transporting viewers into their Milan ateliers where 120 artisans create bespoke garments tailored to each customer implementing their own craftswork. With strong intent on craftsmanship, the brand presents their Alta Moda collection which showcased in front of the Doge’s Palace in Venice, celebrating the city’s proud glassmaking legacy through exquisite crystal-embroidered garments. This celebration carries on in the installation The Art and Craft of Glassmaking, featuring dazzling chandeliers by the famous Barovier & Toso.


Divinity and Devotion Featured in Dolce & Gabbana’s Iconic Fashion Shows
Through depictions of gods, goddesses, and queens, Dolce & Gabbana use their dream garments to represent the divine that resides in all human beings. Set along the steps of a structure reminiscent of the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento, Sicily, are posed mannequins dressed in the Fall/Winter 2019–20 collection drawing inspiration from the mythological stories told on Attic Greek pottery. We see how divine mosaics shone in F/W 2017-18 and 2021-22 collections, standing out in front of a shimmering golden backdrop, crafted by the Orsoni Venezia 1888 glass factory.
Not only are the garments a work of art themselves, but the extensive production design truly creates a museum of couture fashion telling an immersive Italian story. Dolce & Gabbana’s devotion to their craft is communicated through the Sacred Heart motif often found on their products. In the exhibit, dramatic colors of black and vivid gold communicate the dramatic blend of devotion and passion, evoking Baroque theatricality.

The Italian Journey of Dolce & Gabbana
Deep Sicillian and Milanese family traditions are present in each room of “Du Cœur à la Main.” Viewers can observe mannequins set around a banquet table in an Italian-style theater inspired by iconic Italian opera works like La Traviata, Aida, and Tosca. Of course, rich history is featured in the cult film, The Leopard (1963), by Luchino Visconti which is based on the novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1958). Taking place in post-Garibaldi Sicily, the story captures the clash between the old world Sicilian aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie.
Closing the show is a breathtaking gold macramé dress that honors Milan, the city where all the Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and Alta Gioielleria collections are crafted The creation of the dress was inspired by the Madonnina statue, created in 1774, which symbolizes the heart and soul of Milan’s people. A glamorous way to end a dreamy walkthrough of Dolce and Gabbana’s brilliance.


