Dal Cuore Alle Mani: Dolce & Gabbana A Journey Through Time, Art, and Fashion
White Baroque Photo: Michael Adair
All roads may lead to Rome, but few do so as elegantly as Dolce & Gabbana’s latest exhibition, ‘Dal Cuore Alle Mani: Dolce & Gabbana (*From the Heart to the Hands*), which finds its home at the Palazzo Esposizioni Roma from May 14 to August 13, 2025. A testament to the house’s deep-rooted connection to Italian culture, the exhibition celebrates the craftsmanship, creativity, and unapologetic grandeur that have defined Dolce & Gabbana’s legacy. Following its triumph in Milan and Paris, where it captivated audiences to such an extent that its run was extended, this Italian homecoming promises a reimagined experience; one where Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s designs engage with history, architecture, and the essence of Roman artistry.
Set within the grand halls of the Palazzo Esposizioni, originally designed by Pio Piacentini and inaugurated in 1883; this immersive showcase unfolds in a sweeping display of approximately 1,500 square meters. The venue itself, steeped in neoclassical heritage, forms an evocative backdrop for a narrative that explores not only fashion but also the broader dimensions of time, memory, and artistic expression. For Dolce & Gabbana, whose identity is inextricably tied to ‘La Dolce Vita’, this exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is an ode to a cultural spirit that has shaped their aesthetic vision.
Sicilian Tradition Photo: Michael Blower
At the heart of ‘Dal Cuore Alle Mani’ lies a celebration of the exceptional artisanship that underscores every Dolce & Gabbana creation. The exhibition traces the creative process; from the heart, where ideas are born, to the hands, through which they take shape emphasising the brand’s dedication to craft. It also offers an intriguing artistic dialogue, with select visual artists lending their perspectives in harmony with the maison’s own interpretations of beauty and storytelling.
La Dolce Vita: The Soul of Dolce & Gabbana It is impossible to speak of Dolce & Gabbana without invoking ‘La Dolce Vita’, the romanticised Italian way of life that has informed much of their creative journey.
Synonymous with elegance, indulgence, and cinematic glamour, ‘La Dolce Vita’ encapsulates a mood; one of effortless sophistication, where beauty is woven into daily existence, and fashion becomes an extension of emotion. This ethos courses through the veins of the exhibition, offering an intoxicating blend of tradition, fantasy, and artistry.
The journey unfolds through immersive rooms, each exploring distinct facets of Dolce & Gabbana’s world. The themes are rich with Italian influences: from architectural grandeur and artisanal craftsmanship to folklore, music, opera, ballet, and theatrical spectacle. In true Dolce & Gabbana fashion, the approach is both elegant and sensual, yet also ironic, irreverent, and delightfully subversive’ characteristics that have allowed the brand to push boundaries while remaining rooted in tradition.
There is an undeniable sense of nostalgia woven through the exhibition—an appreciation for history that is not static but rather in constant evolution. Whether through lavish lacework reminiscent of Sicilian traditions, baroque embellishments that recall opera’s grandeur, or the cinematic glamour infused into tailored silhouettes, ‘Dal Cuore Alle Mani’ is a declaration of passion; passion for heritage, for craftsmanship, for storytelling.
DEVOTION photo: Mark Blower
Dolce & Gabbana’s latest venture is not merely an exhibition; it is a world unto itself, where past, present, and future collide in a spectacle of artistic mastery. In Rome, where every street corner whispers stories of emperors, artists, and dreamers, ‘Dal Cuore Alle Mani’ adds another chapter; one where the art of fashion meets the poetry of culture in a celebration of true Italian artistry.