"Divine" fashion on the Tiber: Dolce & Gabbana closed Alta Moda with a mystical show in the heart of papal Rome

In a spectacular setting, Dolce & Gabbana closed the Rome edition of Alta Moda with a show of its Alta Sartoria men's collection. Against the monumental backdrop of Castel Sant'Angelo, the Italian house presented a dazzling story of faith, heritage, and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from liturgical symbolism.

On July 15th, Alta Moda — a celebration of Italian haute couture —came to an end. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, against the backdrop of Rome's Castel Sant'Angelo , the luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana presented its latest men's Alta Sartoria collection .

The historic location, once the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and later a papal fortress, served as the backdrop for the event and... a direct source of inspiration . Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana presented a collection that was an elegant dialogue between faith, history, and fashion.

Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome - the setting for the latest Dolce&Gabbana Alta Sartoria collection / Shutterstock

Dolce & Gabbana is renowned for masterfully blending history with style. This time, the designers chose one of the Eternal City's most emblematic locations – Castel Sant'Angelo .

Built in the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, it was converted into a fortress in the Middle Ages, and later into a safe haven for popes fleeing danger .

The castle was connected to the Vatican by a secret corridor (Passetto di Borgo), through which popes escaped during sieges – the legendary rescue of Alexander VI from the troops of Charles VIII in 1494 is just one of many examples.

The castle has also served as a prison (including the philosopher Giordano Bruno) and a place of execution . Its history is a constant intertwining of the sacred and the political, of spirituality and power. Now, centuries later, the castle has become a fashion stage.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana , known for their love of Italian heritage, created a show that was more of a procession and a sacred ritual. The very first model, in a coat embroidered with embroidery reminiscent of cardinals' cassocks , sent a clear message: this is about the sacred.

The runway featured openwork linen tops , gold breastplates resembling reliquaries , sequined tunics inspired by liturgical headgear , brocade suits, and capes reminiscent of missal rubrics. Angel patterns from Bernini's Bridge were transferred to T-shirts , and antique altar cloths became a staple of jackets.

Moreover, the fashion house remains true to its craftsmanship. One suit—which from a distance looked like classic jacquard—up close was revealed to be entirely covered in bugle beads in shades of purple and black.

"The creations presented at the Dolce & Gabbana Roma 2025: Alta Sartoria fashion show are breathtaking. Each creation is a unique blend of artistry and tradition, with intricate details and vibrant colors that capture the essence of Italian elegance. The craftsmanship is refined down to the smallest detail and is simply unmatched, making each creation a true work of art," we read in the commentary below the YouTube video of the show.