The collaboration between artist Francesco Clemente and fashion designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce began organically after the designers purchased some of his paintings and suggested he create artwork inspired by their Alta Moda show. Given total creative freedom, Clemente selected dresses from the show and painted them in his New York studio. The designers encouraged him to create more, resulting in a series of 24 paintings that will be featured in an exhibition in Milan alongside Alta Moda clothing, highlighting the relationship between art and fashion and the beauty of handcrafted work.
Actress and model Isabella Rossellini recalls meeting Gabbana and Dolce during a modeling gig for their advertising campaign. She noticed that their fashion designs were inspired by the Italy that she and many Italians felt ashamed of, such as traditional Sicilian imagery that was typically seen as unglamorous. However, through their designs, the designers were able to celebrate and glamorize these aspects of Italian culture, creating a sense of Italian DNA and identity in their work. Rossellini appreciates their ability to transform perceptions of Italian culture through their designs.
The collaboration between Clemente, Gabbana, and Dolce is a testament to the intersection of art and fashion and the creative freedom that can emerge from such partnerships. The designers’ enthusiasm for Clemente’s work and their willingness to give him complete artistic control allowed for a fruitful collaboration that resulted in a series of paintings that will be showcased in a prestigious exhibition. The relationship between the three artists is one of mutual inspiration and creativity, with each party influencing the other in unexpected ways.
The exhibition in Milan will feature Clemente’s paintings in gold frames alongside Alta Moda clothing, creating a visual dialogue between art and fashion. The emphasis on handmade craftsmanship and the beauty of creating things by hand is a central theme of the exhibition, highlighting the importance of traditional artisanal techniques in both art and fashion. The exhibition represents a culmination of the collaborative relationship between Clemente, Gabbana, and Dolce, showcasing the beauty and creativity that can emerge from such partnerships.
The story of Clemente’s collaboration with Gabbana and Dolce is one of artistic evolution and mutual inspiration. From the initial meeting between the artists to the creation of a series of paintings inspired by Alta Moda dresses, the collaboration is a testament to the power of creative freedom and artistic expression. The exhibition in Milan will serve as a celebration of this collaboration, showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship that emerges when artists from different disciplines come together to create something truly special.
