Tomorrow morning, when Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana present their Fall/Winter 2016 collection in Milan, you can practically guarantee that the clothes will be wildly feminine and inspired by the poetic beauty of the pair’s native Italy. Likewise, Dolce Gabbana’s hair and makeup tends to summon a spirit of Sicilian ease and sensuality that has become a house signature, one that has lent itself to deeply evocative beauty on the runway. For those hoping to capture their spirit of dolce vita, a look back at show seasons past reveals a few unspoken rules. For one, you need a healthy sun-kissed glow that recalls languid summers spent lazing about the Mediterranean. A fluid flick of catlike liner conjures the sultry gaze of ’60s screen siren Sophia Loren and other Cinecittà bombshells, and grows twice as deadly when paired with a full red pout that flatters flowing floral gowns and brocade hot pants equally.
As for the hair, there are two simple house codes. First, a loose chignon comes knotted at the nape of the neck, with a few flyaways for a touch of windswept, L’Avventura–style glamour. The final touch demands a more heavy-handed approach to self-ornamentation, and whether that means a spray of enamel roses pinned just above the ear, or a gold Byzantine crown studded with gems, a sweeping romantic statement à la Dolce vita lies within easy reach.
Watch all of our Fall 2016 Ready-to-Wear videos: