Luxury fashion retailer Mytheresa and iconic brand Dolce & Gabbana team up for a lavish takeover in Taormina, drawing comparisons to the lavish lifestyles depicted in 'The White Lotus' and Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita'.
The Enchanting Allure of Taormina, Sicily
Taormina, a town nestled on the eastern coastline of Sicily, has sat proudly on its hilltop position for over two millennia. With the colossal Mount Etna looming on one side, its greenery blending seamlessly with artificial landscapes, and the shimmering Ionian Sea caressing its other flank, Taormina's clusters of hotels, eateries, and terraces compete eagerly to capture the best vantage point.
Recently, Taormina played host to an exclusive gathering – guests of German e-retailer Mytheresa and Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, celebrating their ninth collaborative collection. As they sipped cocktails on the terrace of Taormina's San Domenico Palace, the opulent backdrop of the setting sun over the horizon brought to mind the fictional 'The White Lotus' hotel featured in the second series of Mike White's biting satire of luxury resorts and their affluent patrons.
Mytheresa and Dolce & Gabbana's Sicilian Soirée
In his opening speech, Mytheresa CEO Michael Kliger recounted Tanya McQuoid's observation on the hotel's unique position – a remark made by Jennifer Coolidge's character in 'The White Lotus'. Thankfully, the only drama unfolded on the hotel's scented Belvedere Gardens, just swerving gusts of sea winds briefly disrupting the serenity.
Coolidge's quip hints at the intoxicating allure of Taormina – a blend of cultural influences, perpetual warmth, and proximity to an active volcano create a unique magnetism, teetering between attraction and delirium. The aura of this locale has long inspired Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's signature brand of la dolce vita at their Milan-based fashion house. 'We built our fashion around three fundamental concepts: Sicily, tailoring, and tradition,' Domenico Dolce once stated in 2010.
For this latest collaboration with Mytheresa, the duo drew inspiration from Taormina, crafting a vibrant collection for women and children adorned with prints and patterns reminiscent of Sicily – from the decorative Sicilian majolica tiles adorning buildings to motifs of succulent fruits and blooming flowers, with Baroque swirls alluding to the ornate interiors of Taormina's ecclesiastical edifices.
The trip's climax took place in Taormina's Piazza IX Aprile, a dramatic town square recognized for its chequered paving, collection of churches, and breathtaking sea view. Mimicking a traditional Italian market, the square was filled with local delicacies, Dolce & Gabbana Casa homeware, Sicilian Moor's Head ceramics, and models donning the latest Dolce & Gabbana creations. The lively affair ended with a rousing parade, complete with local musicians, resplendent Dolce & Gabbana-clad models, and maypole dancing. Among the revelers were model Alton Mason, actress Alice Pagani, and Beatrice Grannò – who played Mia in the second season of 'The White Lotus'.
The following day, Mount Etna unleashed its volcanic might, emitting a dramatic plume of ash and smoke – another testament to the island's passionate allure, which simultaneously seduces and deludes.
The Dolce & Gabbana x Mytheresa 'Taormina' collection is available at mytheresa.com.
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As the sun set, overlooking the Ionian Sea, Mytheresa and Dolce & Gabbana's celebration,'The Dolce & Gabbana x Mytheresa 'Taormina' event, epitomized the fashion-and-beauty world's lifestyle embrace of Taormina's enchanting allure.
This collaboration saw the fashion house draw inspiration from Taormina's vibrant culture, creating a stunning collection adorned with Sicilian designs, enhancing the traveler's fashion-and-beauty experience in the charming town of Taormina.
