The new Dolce & Gabbana Spring ‘22 RTW show is a celebration of the joy and optimism of the early 2000s– a chaotic time matched with clothes that were just as chaotic.
Aptly named “DG Light”, the Italian luxury house’s spring RTW collection was shown in a mirrored runway stage complete with dancing lights that glistened on bedazzled clothes. It is hard to miss that the over-the-top, excessive aesthetic is a nod to the early 2000s fashion. From bedazzled T-shirts, bejewelled trousers, camo prints, and loud animal prints, it is safe to say that they did not hold back. Like at all. D&G reminisced about the era in a more trend-focused sense. Instead of referencing their stronger early 2000s collections (which were arguably the brand’s best time in fashion), D&G opted to make a collection of Y2K clothes that are most appealing to Gen Z. It is almost as if D&G watched what Gen Z TikTok personalities thought of early 2000s fashion and ran with it. And there’s nothing wrong with that either. Besides, according to Gabbana himself, the average age of their consumers is going down so clearly the brand is vying for the next generation’s attention.
Photo Credit: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
D&G also referenced Jennifer Lopez in the collection by embellishing JLo shirts and reinterpreting her iconic green Versace dress. This time, instead of jungle green, the Italian house stuck to its bold floral roots.
Photo Credit: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
Some aspects of the collection were right on the nail. The shiny mini-skirts look like they came straight out of the early 2000s It Girl closet. The animal prints were a hit or miss but on look numbers 46 and 80 the usage of the print was done superbly. Some strong looks include a black jacquard puff sleeve blazer cinched in the waist by a D&G logo belt, a Fuschia pink jewelled jacquard mini dress paired with boots in the same fabrication and a variety of black and white sequin bodysuits. Ironically, out of the 100 loud looks, the more subdued ones were the strongest of the bunch. It goes to show that just because it’s loud does not mean it’s meant to be heard.
Photo Credit: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com
In a true Y2K fashion, the collection was all over the place. The spring collection is a perfect portrayal of an era filled with chaotic pop culture and outrageous fashion. Overall, as the brand positions itself with the Gen Zs, it makes one wonder if going too literal is the way to go. Besides, with the number of archive pieces we have seen on the red carpet lately (mostly worn by young influencers), wouldn’t it be smarter to reference your old collection than to reference an overdone era?
You can watch the Spring/Summer show on YouTube.
Published by HOLR Magazine.