The Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter ‘22 fashion show demonstrates a movement towards a risky, pioneering direction for the Italian brand. With Machine Gun Kelly headlining the show’s music and bold pop-inspired spotlights flooding the runway, the show transports viewers to a futuristic dimension. “The codes of the brand are reinterpreted and projected into the metaverse and, as in a video game, propose super feminine heroines,” says the brand’s press release.

Models appeared both hyper-femme and strikingly powerful in 80’s-inspired Structured peacoats with exaggerated waists and dramatic shoulder padding. Futuristic headwear also graced this season’s runway, with many looks including a built-in balaclava. And, like many of the other FW 22 shows, accessories included garter tights, sheer tops and dresses, trompe l’oeil effects, and exposed lingerie. 

Creative directors Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana manage to create a collection that is at once structured yet completely undone with the contrast of asymmetrical geometric detailing and free-flowing fabrics. The brand describes this dichotomy as “A sculpted and geometric silhouette where everything is amplified: inverted triangle lines, classic and iconic jackets become oversized and reinvented with technical fabrics; padded shoulders, for a vaguely masculine but absolutely sexy style.”

One look featured a skin-tight jumpsuit that morphs into boots, an avant-garde silhouette featured all over the runway this season. Although the silhouettes were daring, the fabrics were just as bold. Vinyl is used throughout the collection to embellish everything from oversized puffer bags to red statement jackets. Gold lamé creates a Studio 54-esque look when crafted into an exaggerated pair of harem pants.

The looks are styled with oversized coats made from vividly colored eco-fur, which the brand describes as reminiscent of the virtual typical of video games. As the brand moves in a more futuristic direction, so do their values.