Task 2- Specialism Choice: Context. Dolce and Gabbana- Contempary

This collection 'Tailored Mosaic' by Dolce and Gabbana for Winter 2014 is easily my favourite of theirs. I find the intricate details of these pieces to be both beautiful and fascinating.

All of the garments from this collection have a very regal feel to them with the minimal use of deep colours such as blue and green. They are noticeable in the detailing of the clothing and only add to their appeal. The two main colours in many of the garments are red and/or gold which I associate with royalty, wealth and class. The work is also very elegant, feminine and sophisticated. The surface pattern is mainly mosaic but unlike Mary Quant the texture is not flat. The garments have many jewels stitched and glued on to create texture which therefore gives a much greater impact on the audience. I also think that the way the models have been styled with crowns, chunky necklaces and earrings add to the overall feel of the entire look. I think the style of this collection is very flattering, being that the pieces are well fitting and many, floor length. The dresses cling to all the right places, the bust and hips. They showcase the skinny waists of the models and are incredibly complimentary. This work really inspires me through the creative use of colour and detail and I would hope to achieve something as glamorous and popular for a high end fashion line. This collection is based largely on the theme of sixth century mosaics of an Italian cathedral, which having looked at the entire collection I can identify this easily by the use of details, colour and the illustration of people, something often seen in the house of God. 


Although these pieces are heavily linked to the sixth century, the garments are very much based on the style of today's woman. In stereotypical terms, somebody similar to Kim Kardashian. A curvier woman with a slim waist and bigger bottom. Floor length dresses or 'Maxi dresses' have been very popular this year and Dolce and Gabbana have used that information when designing the clothing, particularly the dresses. For that reason this collection is very interesting as they have mixed the type of clothing which is contemporary in the way that it hangs, the length and style that has been extremely popular over the last few years but have still used the sixth century cathedral designs transforming them into current and suitable garments. Dolce and Gabbana were inspired by the mosaic of Monreale for this collection.  Just as the art of mosaic-making is a slow and precise process, which is achieved by placing single tiles next to each other, tailoring is also extremely slow made with a  single stitch at a time. Despite mosaic being old it is currently very popular making appearances in footwear, bags and jewellery. The cathedral of Monreale built between 1172 and 1185 under the commission of King William II of Altavilla, in the city of Monreale is the centre on the mosaic designs in the collection. Some of the walls had a series of gold mosaics created between the end of 1100 and the middle of 1200. Artists from Venice and other places were called in to create the striking pieces of art.