Design duo Dolce & Gabbana have forged a very successful 36-year career leaning on the rich heritage of Sicily and Italian culture. Yet, in the wake of the trials and tribulations of 2020, the designers, like many others, have come into 2021 with a shift in mood. Instead of the Sicilian widow and gangster playing muse to their work, now the pair have looked to the upbeat optimism of pop culture. For the autumn / winter 2021 menswear collection, this new approach introduces a breezy lightness. There are still the sharply cut suits the brand is so famous for, but now offered as perfectly pieced mosaics of different pinstripes, or as 1990s-inspired cropped, box-cut jackets. Instead of perfect grooming, there was an oversized mohair cardigan (a la Kurt Cobain) over a half-tucked fluoro T-shirt and distressed jeans, strewn with pearly gewgaws and rolled high at the ankle. The 1990s rave-era obsession with puffer jackets was evidenced in glossy black and even molten gold iterations, while a Juicy Couture-esque velour tracksuit was remade in men's proportions and in a dazzling shade of raspberry. Vivid patterns on jumpers resembled the old-fashioned TV test screen, paired with sparkly silver trousers, while boys also wore shrunken knitted cardigans and long, carelessly slung necklaces, embracing the spirit of dressing up, just for the fun of it. Sparkly tops and shimmery trousers were the order of the day – either fitted or loosely cut – and layered with oversized bomber jackets, bucket hats and chunky trainers to deliver looks that were made to be raved in. It remains to be seen when clubs and festivals around the world will be open, but thanks to Dolce & Gabbana, the boys at least, will ready and waiting. <strong>_________________</strong> <strong>Read more:</strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion/highlights-from-the-first-men-s-arab-fashion-week-amato-michael-cinco-and-roni-helou-present-collections-1.1156921">Highlights from the first Men's Arab Fashion Week: Amato, Michael Cinco and Roni Helou present collections</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion/fashion-trust-arabia-awards-designers-from-the-uae-kuwait-and-iraq-among-finalists-for-2021-prizes-1.1158172">Fashion Trust Arabia Awards: Designers from the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq among finalists for 2021 prizes</a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/alber-is-back-the-eagerly-awaited-az-factory-launches-at-paris-haute-couture-week-1.1154774">'Alber is back!' The eagerly awaited AZ Factory launches at Paris Haute Couture Week</a></strong> <strong>_________________</strong>
