Opulent Sicilian Couture

Aspirations for maison status in fashion is no small feat, and with its debut couture collection, the Dolce & Gabbana Autumn/Winter 2012 line proves the iconic designer's caliber is up to par.

'Alta Moda' is Italian for Haute Couture, the most prestigious type of fashion collections. With the grandeur bar set so high, one comes to expect absolutely luxuriant creations. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana did not disappoint, and their luxe extravaganza was not only uber-exclusive, but filled with magnificent pieces of wearable art.

Full skirts were intricately crafted by the tailoring team. The collection boasts determinedly Sicilian references that were true to the design duo's Italian roots. Says Domenico Dolce to The Telegraph UK: "This is our style. It is not trend, I do not care if it is cool...for me this is not work but pleasure."

As the only Anglophone media invited to the event, The Telegraph reports that the collection was an undisputed success.