A fitting nod to Italy’s joie de vivre, Dolce&Gabbana unveiled its Alta Moda show in Venice last evening, which saw a joyful coming together of celebrities and smart tastemakers. The Italian equivalent of Haute Couture, the event at St Mark’s Square was filled with flamboyance and flair in true Dolce&Gabbana style with a maximalist mélange of looks that descended upon the runway.

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The collection features exquisite silks, brocades, velvets, glass and crystals, embroideries and precious fabrics, offering a melody of beauty and Italian craftsmanship. Think about a hand-painted illusion tulle and double organza corset dress, a lustrous Georgette dress bedecked with sequins, bugle beads and crystals, and a Lurex lace corset dress embroidered with cross-stitch.

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The pieces take a cue from the colorways of Venetian glassware, the bright blue of the lagoon and mosaics, and artistic features that are flecked on the city’s iconic buildings. The dome of Saint Mark’s basilica was reimagined as oversized sleeves on a bolero jacket, with canals and gondolas reflected in the sequins of the long dresses.

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Among the runway highlights was Leni Klum, daughter of supermodel Heidi Klum, in a unique Alta Moda stretch double satin corset dress and skirt, and rapper Sean Combs’ daughter D’Lila in a pleated taffeta boned dress with a double duchesse belt.

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A star-studded soiree, the show featured appearances by Lady Kitty Spencer, who recently wore Dolce & Gabbana to her wedding, and Jennifer Lopez, who was a head-turner in a regal look featuring floral pants and a mid-riff top with a matching cape and embellished headpiece.

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A wondrous nod to Italy, the Alta Moda collection is a true visual treat.