After a long hiatus, Dolce & Gabbana has made a comeback. Celebrities have been seen wearing D&G gowns at red-carpet events, and the brand has been making a splash in fashion magazines again. The Italian luxury house has also continued to support young designers through its “Supported by Dolce&Gabbana” program, inviting Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto to showcase her body-inclusive designs during Milan Fashion Week this September.
Themes
The Dolce & Gabbana biannual Alta Sartoria event draws an international crowd. Last summer, the designers incorporated Sicilian folklore and tourist souvenirs into the collection, but this time they will draw inspiration from New York’s skyline and energy. Karoline Vitto, who was invited to present a solo show at the event as part of the brand’s “Supported by Dolce&Gabbana” program (past participants include Miss Sohee, Matty Bovan, and Tomo Koizumi), makes clothing that celebrates curves. She left Brazil for London in 2016 and studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins before setting up her label in 2020. The designers’ shared ethos of inclusivity was evident in the three looks that came down the runway. They included a metallic sheath dress with sultry cut-outs, a gilded gown with an oversized metal ring detail, and dresses designed to be worn in multiple ways. The designer’s love for IRL curvy women—those she follows on Instagram and who she has consulted with—is at the heart of her work.
The Colours
Dolce & Gabbana is a fashion brand that is one of the top 10 brands in the world. Its logo symbolizes the founders’ belief in creating modern designs while holding on to traditions. This combination sets them apart from the rest of the competition. Karoline Vitto is a young Brazilian designer who will debut her collection during Milan Fashion Week this September. She was selected as part of the Italian luxury house’s Supported by Dolce & Gabbana program, which has also brought on designers such as Matty Bovan and Tomo Koizumi. Vitto is known for her size-inclusive designs and has clarified that she’s not about tokenism. She has opted against casting curve models on the runway for her SS23 and AW23 shows. The prestigious label will be helping her with production and other logistical aspects, which will help alleviate some of the pressure she’s been under. The collaboration will boost her career significantly as she continues to break the mold of size-inclusive design.
The Decoration
Dolce and Gabbana invented a style that was at once sensual and austere, inspired by the Sicily of Luchino Visconti’s 1963 film The Leopard and women like Anna Magnani, who wore lace and lingerie to exude a dangerous and seductive sensuality. They drew upon their Mediterranean roots and a deep love of Italy, creating a brand that is still as relevant today as it was in the 80s when it first debuted. Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto is the latest participant in Dolce & Gabbana’s ‘Supported by Dolce&Gabbana’ program to be announced. This September, she will receive financial, logistical, and PR support to stage her debut show at Milan Fashion Week. Vitto is renowned for her size-inclusive designs that celebrate the curves of the female body, with IRL curvy women acting as her biggest muses. Vitto, who lives in London, will showcase her SS24 collection at Dolce & Gabbana’s flagship store in Milan during Fashion Week. She has previously presented her designs at London Fashion Week and as part of the British Design East incubator.
The Outfits
Karoline Vitto was born and raised in Brazil before studying at Central Saint Martins and The Royal College of Art. She launched her debut collection as part of Fashion East for London Fashion Week SS23, where she gained attention for her provocative designs that celebrate curves and accentuate folds, with each piece made-to-order in her London studio. Vitto is the latest designer to join Dolce & Gabbana’s “Supported by Dolce&Gabbana” program, which provides emerging designers with the financial, logistical, and PR support they need to thrive in the fashion industry. She’ll now receive the platform to showcase her innovative designs during Milan Fashion Week in September. Unlike many brands that offer only a few plus-size options for diversity purposes, Vitto’s designs are size inclusive. Her upcoming SS24 show will feature a cast of models with a UK 8 to 28 body size.
