Like a Prayer: Dolce & Gabbana’s Hommage to Madonna

Like a Prayer: Dolce & Gabbana’s hommage to Madonna

It was a tribute to Italian Beauty from the local masters of fashion: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Their latest Spring-Summer 2025 collection centred around the country’s savoir-faire applied to their favourite muse: music and fashion icon Madonna, who arrived in the fashion capital to see with her own eyes a show dedicated to her style on the catwalk.

BACK TO THE ‘90S

“This collection pays tribute to an ironic and powerful female figure, who has gone through decades immortalised by cinema, capable of affirming her personality while remaining true to herself. A woman who plays with her identity, transforming blond hair into a distinctive feature,” explained Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana backstage, further adding that “the dresses precisely draw on the body, thanks to the lines that enhance the feminine silhouette: anatomically cut jackets and corsetry details stage a strong and conscious femininity. Cone bras, strings, laces and hooks are a symbol of Italian seduction.”

To attend the show, Madonna arrived in Milan dressed to the nines in Dolce & Gabbana, covered by a veil of Chantilly lace complete with a gold crown and crystals: the singer chose a long slip dress in chiffon with a slit, straight from the Autumn-Winter2024/25 catwalk collection, and styled it with a black corset. She accessorised her look with a high jewellery necklace in yellow and white gold with diamonds and skulls. Her presence at fashion weeks is an event in itself, the singer rarely makes appearances at public events. Truly exceptional. But then what wouldn’t you do for your old friends? When the curtain was raised, all the models stood motionless, as if they were plastic dolls, wearing blonde wigs, inspired by the iconic hairstyle that Madonna wore in the 90s.

ITALIAN BEAUTY

Entitled “Italian Beauty”, Dolce&Gabbana’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection was all about sensuality, attitude, character and charm. The creative couple’s style codes highlighted liberated femininity via the recognisable conic bra inspired by the ‘50s styled with sheer lingerie. It looked effortless with oversized trench coats, slit dresses, lace tops, and corsets, creating a bold yet sophisticated expression of the feminine beauty, that became synonymous with the brand in the 90s. Exploring new proportions, these garments sculpt the body and add a romantic touch through delicate rose floral prints. Jewellery commands attention with large cross earrings adorned with black crystals, while retro-inspired creations reclaim the spotlight with fresh interpretations, including high-heeled ballerinas, a nod to the pin-up era. Every piece contributes to an enduring allure, seamlessly blending classic influences with contemporary style. The concept of Italian beauty is further developed in the set design at the Metropol - Dolce&Gabbana’s multi-functional space in the heart of Milan that occupies a former movie theatre - showcasing a large, sinuous staircase framed by expansive mirrors creating captivating plays of light.

Courtesy: DOLCE&GABANA
Text: Giorgia Feroldi