Tropico Italiano: Dolce and Gabbana SS2017

Judging by the 'Tropico Italiano' show invitation, you could tell Dolce and Gabbana were feeling exotic, patriotic and in the mood for a party this season. I was expecting bright colours, a clear love for all things Italy and a lot of embellished pieces dripping in the more is more aesthetic which ultimately is Dolce and Gabbana. And I was not disappointed. Before the show even started, huge palm trees stood at the head of the catwalk with glittering, red letters hanging overhead reading 'Tropico Italiano,' in case the message still hadn't sunk in for some attendees.

With Cameron Dallas, Sophia Richie, Rafferty Law, Miroslava Duma and walking Dolce advertisement Anna Dello Russo sitting front row, the show began with an excited hush from the front row. Matador jackets came encrusted with jewels and medal, black lace was sheer and sexy with Dolce's classic black bra peeking out from beneath, bright printed sunflowers featured on silk midi dresses while the brands black suit was updated this season with a pair of fun slippers and casual tshirt. Sara Sampaio rocked an amazing keyboard mini skirt with a black and gold jacket while new comer Hailey Baldwin for a figure hugging black, lace cocktail dress. All 93 looks sent down the catwalk had an enormous attention to detail embedded in them, putting other designers to shame.

As always with Dolce and Gabbana, Italy was a prominent feature. I don't know any other designers who love their country from than this designer duo. Italain flags were printed on blouses, china dolls found in Siciliy featured on midi skirts while references to Italian food, notably pasta were everywhere. "The starting point is no longer the outfit itself," read the show notes. "It's the desire to tell our story, reveal an emotion, a way of life...Our DNA is in the South and all the symbols that represent it; flowers, pasta, bread, good luck charms, shells, fish, religious symbols, music, ice cream, drinks, dolls..." The list goes on forever. I certainly spotted an ice cream printed dress, doing a double take as I did so, as well as plenty of religious symbols such as the cross and the Virgin Mary on t-shirts and dresses. I especially loved all the colours; yellows, blues, reds looked ravishing against black and white.

And how could you tear your eyes away from those gorgeous accessories? The colourful, wedge heels, the shoulder skimming earrings, the little clutch bags dripping with floral embellishment and the decadent headdresses which gleamed in the light. Models walked with flowery crowns upon their heads or a red rose, carefull tucked to one side of their precise middle parting. Add that to the red lips and black, cat flicked eyes and you've got your classic Dolce girl, all dressed up to the nines. What I really enjoyed about this show was the overall atmosphere. Models were smiling, the Italian music was pumping and the energy on the catwalk was just pure happiness. You almost forgot you were watching a catwalk show at Milan Fashion Week.

The finale was just as jubilant. As the last model took her final turn, dozens of dancers jumped onto the catwalk and began leaping, prancing and generally just enjoying themselves with the music. Believe me, you wouldn't get this at Chanel. It was like an enormous Italian street party, where everyone was invited. And I do mean everyone, as the show was streamed live on the website and on the brands Facebook page. As with every Dolce and Gabbana show, the models strode on mass down the catwalk at the end, making sure not to trend on any dancers as they went. Simple t-shirts bearing the D&G logo with mini skirts covered in flowers and flat sandals, were the finale uniform of choice, before Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana took their bow to a rapturous applause.

I wouldn't say this was the best Dolce show I've ever seen, but it was certainly the most fun.  Part of me kind of wishes I was Italian now. Vive Italiano!