Dolce & Gabbana gold lace and python shirt dress, ss 2005
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Medium (EU)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU140214222042
Dolce & Gabbana
Shapely lingerie models, animal and floral prints and the Mediterranean heritage of Sicily have come to define the romantic and sensual style of Dolce & Gabbana, a leading international brand that from its earliest days of corsetry, copious lace and provocative silhouettes has challenged fashion with an audacious vision for femininity.
After meeting in Milan in 1980 while they were both working for Italian designer Giorgio Correggiari, Domenico Dolce (b. 1958) and Stefano Gabbana (b. 1962) would go on to establish their eponymous fashion empire in 1982. Three years later, a breakthrough for the duo materialized in the form of an up-and-coming talent showcase at Milan Fashion Week, where they unveiled an approach to fashion design that broke sharply from that of the era’s reigning Italian houses. By then romantic partners as well as a business, Dolce & Gabbana were outsiders. Soon, their distinctive garments — sexy, feathery skirts and stretchy jersey evening dresses that favored full figures — demanded the fashion world’s undivided attention.
Though Dolce & Gabbana forged a path in womenswear that would take shape with a 1986 collection called “Real Women,” the brand’s offerings broadened quickly to encompass knitwear, swimwear, lingerie, ready-to-wear, menswear and perfume. In the early 1990s, Madonna helped catapult the luxury house to international stardom: The renowned singer and actress famously tapped the brand to create the looks for her 1993 tour “The Girlie Show.” It saw Madonna working closely with the designers and even starring in their ad campaigns. Dolce & Gabbana has continued to develop a high-profile clientele that includes pop sensations such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. The latter donned Dolce & Gabbana’s armor corset dress in the music video for her hit single “Paparazzi.”
Rather than following the rapidly changing trends of fashion, Dolce & Gabbana have instead held to their close-fitting tailoring and decadent designs. The house continues to work with recurring themes such as the culture of Italy and Catholicism, which is manifest, specifically, in their widespread use of black lace, a fabric that references the dresses worn by Sicilian widows. The duo is also inspired by Italian cinema and its icons such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren; in 2015 they introduced the Sophia No. 1 lipstick in her honor.
Although Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana separated as a couple in 2005, they continued their business as a creative partnership. In 2012, they closed their less expensive D&G ready-to-wear line to focus on exclusive extravagance, such as their Alta Moda custom pieces. Today, Dolce & Gabbana maintains a popularity with a wealthy clientele, and the house’s 2020s collections have featured technological experiments that update traditional styles, such as a bouclé jacket with a pixel-like pattern, as well as throwbacks to the 1990s fashion that made the brand a household name.
Find vintage Dolce & Gabbana handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Prada by Miuccia Prada brown silk chiffon slip dress, fw 1996By Miuccia Prada, PradaLocated in London, GB▪ Rare Prada evening slip dress ▪ Designed by Miuccia Prada ▪ Fine silk chiffon with geometric print in brown, mauve and cream ▪ Sold with a matching Prada nude silk slip dress to...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Worlds End by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren toga dress, ss 1982By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ A rare Worlds End toga dress ▪ Designed by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren ▪ Cotton-jersey bodice ▪ Open sides with ties to the waist ▪ Asymmetric sleeves ▪ Cream and ora...Category
1980s English Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Ossie Clark pink silk chiffon maxi dress with Celia Birtwell print, ss 1976By Ossie ClarkLocated in London, GB▪ Ossie Clark pink silk chiffon maxi dress ▪ Georges Seurat inspired print by Celia Birtwell ▪ Red, blue and green with pink ground ▪ String cleavage fastening ▪ Criss-cross string ...Category
1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Christian Dior by John Galliano Brown and Cream Suede and Lace Dress, FW 1999By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Brand: Christian Dior ▪ Creative Director: John Galliano ▪ Collection: Fall-Winter 1999 ▪ Sold by: One of a Kind Archive ▪ Fabric: Laser-Cut Suede, Lace, Silk ▪ Details: Cream...Category
1990s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld orange and brown knit and tweed jacket dress, fw 1995By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in London, GB▪ Chanel orange and brown rib knit wool dress ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Checked boucle jacket attached to front of dress ▪ CC logo buttons ▪ 4 front pockets ▪ Long knitted ...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier navy striped nylon mesh tube dress and cardigan set, c. 2001By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in London, GB▪ Jean Paul Gaultier tube dress and cardigan set ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Nylon mesh with navy blue and white stripes and a graf...Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960s Malcolm Starr Green Pink Metallic Floral Print DressBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Malcolm Starr Gown in Green, Pink, gold and blue print sleeveless gown. Perfect for wedding or cocktail event . Waist is encrusted with multi color jeweled. Bust: 34” / waist ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
- Norma Walters Tartan Plaid Silk & Sequin Two Piece Dress, 1980'sBy Norma WaltersLocated in Atlanta, GAWe are mad for plaid! And it is especially fun when applied to a 1980's Norma Walter's strong shouldered silhouette and black sequins are added for a l...Category
1980s Hong Kong Cocktail Dresses
- Maxi Thailand Floral Sun Dress With Quilted Jacket, C.1970Located in Atlanta, GAC.1970 cotton sun dress with a coordinating quilted bolero jacket and tie belt by Thai Lines of Bangkok. Both pieces are in a tropical hand screened floral print in vibrant shades of magenta, purple, yellow and green. The dress zips and hooks at the back with pockets and lingerie style straps that cross at the back. The jacket hooks...Category
1970s Thai Maxi Dress
- 1970s Strawberry and Daisy Novelty Print Khaki Vintage 70s Cotton Sun DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s strawberry and daisy novelty print cotton sun dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a flared skirt, which could also accommodate a crinol...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Rhonda Roy Abstract Print Mock Neck Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing early 1970s RHONA ROY of England abstract print maxi dress ! Warm colors of purple, tan and brown throughout. In great condition Approximately Size ...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Chamois suede dress by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle - France Circa 1982By Emanuel UngaroLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1982 France Amazing short safari-style dress in buff-coloured suede by Emanuel Ungaro Parallèle dating from the early 1980s. Straight cut with puffed sleeves and stitched inserts. Beige stretch knit with turtleneck effect collar and cuffs. Two slit pockets on the side and a thin integrated belt to tie for a blouson effect. Cream nylon lining and Ungaro Parallèle Paris logo label, size 10 Made in Italy. Dry-cleaned suede with no soiling apart from a slight structural patina of the suede skin. No defects to report. Good overall structural condition. Dimensions: Equivalent size M France...Category
1980s French Aesthetic Day Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’
As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Vivienne Westwood’s Punk Spirit Lives On in This ’90s Tartan Ensemble
The shorts suit in a mash-up of patterns with an asymmetrical cut speaks to the designer’s rebellious spirit.