A Parisian Daydream: Inside Dolce & Gabbana’s World of Haute Couture

Some days are born to become memories. Our family’s trip to Paris to see the “Dal Cuore alle Mani” (From the Heart to the Hands) exhibition by Dolce & Gabbana was exactly that—unexpected, dramatic, and deeply inspiring. It wasn’t just a fashion exhibition. It was a love letter to Italy, to artistry, and all things unapologetically beautiful.

A Journey Born of Chaos—and Curiosity

We hadn’t planned to drive to Paris. Our original plan was straightforward: drive to Brussels and take the train. But France had other plans. A sudden railway strike threw every timetable into disarray. For a moment, we hesitated. But the pull of the exhibition was stronger than the inconvenience. So we packed up the car—my husband, our curious little three-year-old, and I—and continued to Paris, the city that never stops whispering invitations.

An Iconic Location for a Legendary Brand

The exhibition was housed in the majestic Grand Palais Éphémère, perched on 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, with the Eiffel Tower just a short stroll away. From January 10 to April 2, the space transformed into a grand celebration of Dolce & Gabbana’s world, curated in collaboration with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

As we walked in, we were instantly swept into a world of gold, silk, and shadows. The rooms unfolded like chapters in an epic novel. Each one more intoxicating than the last.

From the Heart to the Hands: A Theatrical Journey

The first gallery greeted us with a powerful ode to Italian craftsmanship. Large screens displayed artisans delicately embroidering lace, moulding leather, and applying gold leaf by hand—proof that every garment begins not on a runway, but in a workshop steeped in centuries-old tradition.

Then came the Sacred section—a jaw-dropping tribute to Sicilian religious art and Baroque splendour. Think: bejewelled bodices, black veils embroidered with gold filigree, and crowns reminiscent of Madonnas in ancient cathedrals. Even our toddler paused, wide-eyed, beneath the soaring ceilings and stained-glass-inspired lighting.

We moved through a kaleidoscope of fashion:

• "Devotion" – Dedicated to the symbol of the Sacred Heart, this room showcased garments adorned with embroidery, crystals, and metallic elements. The designs were inspired by the baroque theatrical aesthetic of the 17th century.

  

  
  

• "Divine Mosaics" – This room featured dresses influenced by Byzantine, Arab, and Norman motifs. The pieces employed sequins, voluminous silhouettes, and patchwork techniques to stunning effect.
  
  

  

  
  
  

• "Opera" – A tribute to opera, this room displayed a black velvet gown with gold embellishments evoking the tragedy of Bellini’s Norma, and a soft blue tulle dress capturing the romantic melancholy of Verdi’s La Traviata.
  
  

  

  
  
  

• "Architectural and Pictorial" – Here, the outfits drew inspiration from architecture and painting. Vivid colours reminiscent of Renaissance stained glass blended with artistic references to masters such as Moroni, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Botticelli.
  
  

  

  
  

• "At the Heart of Milan" – This room presented a dress crafted from golden macramé and lace, adorned with delicate gold filigree. The design was inspired by the statue of the Madonnina atop Milan’s iconic cathedral.

  

A Personal Reflection

For me, as a mother and a lifelong admirer of beauty in all its forms, this was more than fashion. It was heritage, passion, and devotion stitched into every hem. I found myself moved, more than I expected. Perhaps because beauty, when done right, doesn’t just impress. It lingers. It transforms.
Our son won’t remember the dresses, the lace, or the gold. But he’ll remember the feeling. The awe. The sense that he stood somewhere important, somewhere magical.

Want to See It for Yourself?

The “Dal Cuore alle Mani” exhibition is travelling the world. So if you missed it in Paris, you’re in luck. Here are the upcoming cities and dates:
• Milan, Italy (until August 13th) — Palazzo Reale
• Tokyo, Japan — The National Museum of Modern Art
• New York, USA — Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Each city will add its character to the experience, but the heart of the exhibition—the devotion to artistry and Italian identity—will remain.

Dolce & Gabbana’s world is not just one of style, but of soul.
And if you find yourself near one of these cities, I urge you: step inside. Let your eyes feast. Let your heart swell. Let your imagination dance.

Because fashion, when made by hands guided by heart, becomes more than clothing—it becomes a story.