After couture shows in Portofino and Naples for the two seasons prior, the Italian Fashion House has chosen Palermo this year to present its most prestigious Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2017 Haute Couture collection ‘Alta Moda.’

The runway show was set at a 16th century piazza, a celebration of the classic Sicilian style that forms Dolce & Gabbana’s core and, accordingly, it all began with a word from Dolce about the importance of family and home ties: “Palermo! For me, it is my life, my memories – my family, my grandmother, my school, my father, my mother – my life”.

The looks paid homage to the island’s rich heritage; Arabic and Spanish influences were seen in the silk crepe prints that clung elegantly to the models body’s, while another series of pieces were inlaid with vibrant orange coral, locally sourced Sciacca, the centre of the island’s jewellery industry. The collection featured craftsmanship and level of detail that goes into every outift is clearly visible from the application and care of the brand’s seamstresses.

Highly elaborate pieces, shimmering in gold embroidery and topped with elaborate head pieces looked as though they had been plucked straight from a royal Spanish court, while others had a more contemporary, carnival feel characterised by the same sense of flamboyant ostentatiousness, which gave the whole occasion a typically Dolce & Gabbana.

The show housed celebrities and buyers of the collection in which as large number was invited. “We have 400 international guests coming,” cooed the two designers, when talking about the event. “It’s a collection dedicated to Palermo. And the event has been organised as way to get to know Sicily and Italy,” the pair explained.

Watch backstage as Dolce and Gabbana readies their flamboyant collection with an Italian flair.