Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2013

Spring 2013 had Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce looking once again to their homeland of Sicily. But whereas last season was all romance and religion in the form of gilded embroidery and black lace, this time around the duo went cheery and bright with an ode to the island’s vibrant street markets, puppet theaters, and beachy holidays in the sun. And just like any good vacation abroad, there was plenty here for the eye to take in: street-scene prints in saturated primary hues, beaded embroidery, raffia basket weave, still-life florals, tassels, and folksy appliqué. The adornments came affixed to nearly everything, from easy-wearing shifts, shorts, and t-shirt tops to more elaborate pieces like frothy dresses, basket skirts, and corsets. But the collection’s real standouts were the multitude of boldly striped dresses, ’50s-style shorts sets, and tunics in graphic lines of black, orange, green, or blue against crisp white. They served as a nice anchor to all the chaotic charm.