A classic 'Arabian Nights' tale inspired the latest Dolce & Gabbana men’s show

In the idyllic village of Marzamemi on the very tip of southern Sicily, Dolce & Gabbana held a men’s Alta Sartoria fashion show inspired by a local legend about an Arab princess and her hidden treasure.

The Mediterranean island was conquered by Arabs in the 10th century and flourished during the period especially in the agricultural sector. Today, the remnants of this era of Sicily are ruins and fables, as well as oranges, lemons, and pistachios, all introduced by the Arab conquerors.

It was a tale about a princess and a sunken treasure that fuelled the creative powerhouse Dolce & Gabbana for its latest men’s show that’s full of Middle Eastern design elements and Oriental expressions of luxury.

Bejewelled from head to toe in ornate pieces, and dressed in capes, slippers, and even skirts, the models walked out covered in satin, velvet and silk. The Arabian influence was evident in the artisanal embroidery celebrating traditional weaving methods, and the rich accessories and robes, blouses and boots.

Heavy-hitters at the show included A-list celebrities and big-money spenders, as the Alta Sartoria show features only hand-made, one-off pieces available for sale on the spot. No less than 150 looks were presented on the night in total in mostly natural tones, although some lime and violet pieces also made the cut.