On a gloriously sunny day in Milan, what could be better than schmoozing with Dolce & Gabbana? That's right peeps, Grazia Daily has snuck into the uber-glossy Hotel Metropol [above] in the Italian capital to snoop report on the designers' Spring/Summer 2012 collection before it hits the catwalk in a matter of hours. So stay tuned as we bring you all the va-va-voom as it happens LIVE from backstage. We're excited!
First things first, we've just been handed the show invitation, which conveniently matches Grazia Daily's manicure. Thanks boys!
Inside the envelope, it's a very vibrant, utterly Italiano set of postcards from Domenico and Stefano, featuring traditional foods and bustling market scenes. If this is a hint for the S/S'12 collection, we can expect colour, colour, colour. YES!
Hmm, the 'no cameras' sign at the entrance could make the aforementoned snooping a little difficult...But that's not going to stop Grazia Daily - oh no!
While we wait to be let inside, shall we check out the huddle of besuited men outside the venue? Eat yer heart out, David Gandy!
An impatient crowd is gathering and EVERYONE is wearing black (natch).
Natasha Poly is in the building. REPEAT: Natasha Poly is in the building! ...And so is Grazia Daily! Yes, the burly bodyguards have let us through the big black Dolce doors, so what can we spy?
A FIRST LOOK! at the new collection, that's what! These colourful florals hanging on a rail are enough to whet our appetite. And we must have that charm-covered bag (please).
Ah, hello Magdalena Frackowiak in your floaty vintage frock. Why do you like walking for Dolce & Gabbana? ‘The show is always very feminine, sensual, sexual,' the cheekboney stunner tells us. 'You always play a character – today, we’re playing Sophia Loren.’ And if she could bag ANY dress by the design duo, which would it be? ‘The classic black lace dress - very tight!’ Good choice, Mags.
The hair team is being led by mane maestro Guido, who looks surprisingly calm amongst the frenzy. He talks us through the look step-by-step...
First, the hair is tonged using hair curlers before being gently brushed out for a more natural wave.
Then the fringe is blow-dried upwards to create a quiffy bouffant (watch out, Jedward).
Next, the hair is wrapped into a loose, messy chignon before finally being secured in place with a gazillion kirby grips. The result is a sexy, tousled look 'as if the girls have been dancing at an Italian party all night, veeery sensually.' Oooh-err.
Next in line to get sexed-up is our very own Brit girl Jourdan Dunn, who is looking fierce in a black vest top and grey skinny jeans.
Meanwhile, Anja Rubik is looking oh-so-pretty in a Dries Van Noten skirt of midi proportions, teamed with a loose black sweater.
Can we just say: we're a little bit in love with Karlie Kloss, who is super smiley and ever so friendly. In between make-up and hair, she has a girlie chat with BFF Jourdan Dunn. Aww.
But let's get back to the clothes, shall we? Of course, there's the Dolce & Gabbana monogrammed dressing gowns with matching slippers. Presumably, they won't be making it onto the catwalk...
But this will! Yes, we've got a sneak peek at what Natasha Poly will be wearing: a super-feminine sundress covered in yellow florals. How summery! And such a treat after the designers' all-white collection for S/S'11, dontcha think?
Next up, is this teeny tiny hotpants + bra top combo. Grazia Daily could totes work that. Or not. We're starting to notice a food theme going on here - appazza, the boys have taken inspiration from the staples of Italian cuisine. It's making us rather peckish...
And what will the Dolce gang be wearing on their feet when they hit the runway? Very sophisticated velvet shoes in a range of colours from pinks to greens to purples, as well as black strappy sandals. No one would notice if we tried these on for size, right?
Wowee, it's plastic fantastic for Jessica Stam.
Calling all magpies! You'll like this one. It's a bejewelled bustier and up-to-there skirt to be worn by our new pal, Magdalena. Glitzarama!
Meet Izabel Goulart who already looks hot to trot in her Stella McCartney LBD, Alexander McQueen belt, Dolce & Gabbana bag, and Isabel Marant boots.
Time to take a peek at what's going on in Camp Beauty. One thing we can't miss is the endless reams of retro Sophia Loren shots that are, like, everywhere. Get in the Sixties Siren zone, peoples!
Whaaa? Models doing their own make-up?! Yep, in the rush to get ready, Natasha Poly has cracked open the mascara and is applying it HER.SELF. *gasp*
...and they're even doing their own nails! *double gasp* What IS going on?!
We find make-up maven Pat McGrath to find out. She's having a jolly ol' time taking snaps with Jessica Stam and Isabelli Fontana. One for the mantel piece, no?
So tell us about the beauty look, Ms McGrath. ‘It’s a modern day Sophia Loren so it’s all about the brow, lashes and winged eyeliner,' the lovely lady reveals. 'The eyebrows are groomed to perfection and the eyeliner is slightly pulled out at the edges – starting with a black pencil and going over with a wet shadow from the Femme Fatale quad. We added a little corner lash and a dash of brown pencil under the eye. The skin is fresh with a subtle pop of blush on the cheeks. On the lips, we’re using the Passion Duo in Sensational and Imperial for a gorgeous nude lip.' Do try this at home, kids.
Ooh, who's this getting her face preened? Is it..? Could it be...? YES, it's Arizona Muse! Arizona Muuuuuuuuse!!
Come a little closer to bask in that Arizona glow *sigh* ‘They [Dolce & Gabbana] were talking about Sicilian summertime and the obsession with food at festival time,' Pat continues, 'so the collection is ultra-embellished and to complement it, the girls look sexy and fresh, as always.’
Isabeli Fontana knows a thing or two about channeling Sophia Loren - lest we forget that striking Vogue Italia cover of hers. In fact, Isabeli is the ultimate Dolce in woman in our eyes and she admits this is her favourite show to walk for. 'They [Domenico and Stefano] know how to make women feel sexy and they love to make them an Italian beauty,' she tells us. And where's that one-shouldered polka dot dress from then? Yep, Dolce & Gabbana.
Anja gets her nails painted a gorgeous forest green tone, with matching toenails.
Wading through the crowd, Abbey Lee Kershaw is looking characteristically grungey in a maroon frock, floor-sweeping brown coat and a ginormous crucifix.
Refreshment time! Don't get any water on that pretty dress, young lady.
Speaking of food: yum, yum, ham rolls! Although it looks like Grazia Daily is the only one eating them...woops.
Outside, we find a gaggle of models - including Daphne Groeneveld [centre]- taking a break. How come WE never look this glam on a ciggie break?!
And here's Arizona Muse again, this time puffing on a cigarette. So cool, so naughty. But you've gotta be quick girls, fifteen minutes 'till showtime!
Spotted: Domenico Dolce! 'No interviews before the show,' he says. Yes, sir!
Not long to go until the collection hits the catwalk and Stefano takes a moment to cast a final eye over his creations. Are those multi-coloured hats we spy..? Please say yes.
Not long until we find out because it's time to take our seats! Doesn't the catwalk look magnificent surrounded by bright lights? The inspiration is a summer night in Italy. Oh, to spend every weekend at a Dolce fair...
Check back right here on Grazia Daily for our full report on Dolce & Gabbana's Spring / Summer 2012 collection!
by Jessica Vince in Milan
