shadestation lifestyle section

Brand Focus – D&G

December 15, 2009
Posted by Laura

Design duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are the creative brains and faces behind the famous luxury brand D&G and it is these two gentlemen who are responsible for making the A List celebs look and feel fabulous and glamorous on the red carpet with looks that we are constantly trying to replicate. Their super sexy styles have been seen on the likes of Naomi Watts, Scarlett Johansson Ashlee Simpson and Nicole Kidman to name only a few.

How the Brand Began-: The D&G brand became established in 1985, when the organisers of the Milano Collezioni invited the two designers to take part in a fashion show which was geared to showcase new design talent. The next year they boldly presented their first independent women’s ready-to-wear show and became an instant hit. Becoming increasingly popular the design duo then expanded their lines to menswear, fragrances and accessories including the iconic D&G watches and D&G sunglasses. What is signature and loved about D&G is the way they entwine their own Mediterranean inspired style with a typically English classic edge.

Inspired by Bohemia-: The design duo first discovered their main inspiration in a thrift shop called Bohemia where they stumbled across an array of animal print garments in bold colours. Loving the fact that this style represented the glitz and glamour of the film industry, the designers wanted to represent the theme of telling a story in their clothes and accessories. Their main priority is always to design pieces to flatter and reflect personality as opposed to merely following trends. They even admitted that they wouldn’t mind if their only valid contribution to fashion was a black bra as long as it was flattering and well made!

Sexy and Classic D&G-: D&G clothing is sophisticated and classic but with a strong hint of sexiness such as the concept of wearing underwear as outerwear including corsets – a garment that D&G is famous for. Pinstripe suits and bold animal prints are also a common D&G favourite, again keeping the look chic but with edgy suggestions. Overall the brand likes to make any female feel that with the use of well designed clothing, they can be as glamorous as they have ever desired. Some of their simple suits or tailored shirts for example are still designed to reveal a hint of sexiness in the specific cut of the garment. Another powerful tool the brand uses is controversial and bold advertising campaigns. The most iconic advertisement was probably featuring the super glamorous model Marpessa in 1987 and most recently the brand has released a rather risqué advertising campaign with the theme ‘Three’s A Crowd’ for D&G Time.

D&G watches and sunglasses-: The range of D&G watches and D&G sunglasses are quite spectacular and are a great way of bringing that unique and daring D&G design to your look with the use of a simple accessory. The retro influence and Bohemia style is also conveyed in many of the designs. There are some beautiful new D&G sunglasses to look out for in an array of styles such as aviators, wraparounds, retro sporty and oversized, all of which inject bold colours, strong designs and are incredibly striking and fashion forward. The range of D&G watches continue the glamorous theme with a whole host of stunning designs ranging from bright and bold to elegant and chic and even eclectic with a strong hint of bling! D&G is a brand whereby you are sure to find something to your taste and the collections allow you to be as over or understated as you wish.

D&G is a must-have for any fashionista and style lover. The brand is perfect as a way of expressing your own unique style with that high end designer look that is instantly recognisable as D&G. The brand is always at the forefront of the fashion industry whether this being with the launch of new collections, at events or via a new advertising campaign that gets everyone talking! D&G has that star quality that separates you from the crowd and will see you through seasons in true style with its timelessly fashionable products.

Three’s A Crowd? D&G Watches say Quite the Opposite!

December 5, 2009
Posted by Laura

Yes, D&G have done it again! Notorious for their somewhat boundary pushing ad campaigns which are often a little raunchy and provocative, the latest commercial for D&G Time is certainly no exception and perhaps is the most daring of them all!

The designers of D&G Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have had full creative input in the ad and feel the expressive nature presented in the campaigns only help to place the brand at the forefront of our minds and represent it in a seductive manner with the watches being conveyed in sensual nature. The recent mini-movie, directed by Cyrill Guyot is set in a luxury apartment in romantic Paris whereby we see a strikingly beautiful lady dressed in D&G with two rather dashing young men, all of whom are sporting the latest beautiful D&G watches and  representing the fact that three certainly isn’t a crowd. The risqué situation is then interrupted by her strict mother who clearly disapproves of such behaviour. Oo la la indeed!

Dolce and Gabbana definitely like to have fun with their racy ad campaigns, pushing the creative boundaries as far as they can which has ultimately helped to really get the brand out there and contribute to its sexy and fun image with a sense that wearer can be as free spritited as they like with their style.

The collection of D&G watches are as daring or understated as you wish and the variation of design is incredible. Some feature vibrant colours or colour combinations, some are more classic and demure and some are full on sparkly and glitzy. Unique shapes are consistent throughout the whole of the collection however and D&G is definitely a brand which likes to express style according to individual personality.

Some new styles include the Ireland D&G watch which is available in either silver or highly polished gold plated (Ireland Gold) and is a great example of the brand being bold with the majority of the bracelet style strap designed in the D&G lettering. The dial is kept sleek and simple which keeps the focus remained on the strap. The new D&G ‘800’ is the perfect option for all you ladies that like to sparkle as the entire bracelet strap comprising of delicate petal shapes is embellished in diamante stones for a super glamorous and feminine look. For something a little classic for the men, The Anchor with its slick and slim black leather strap and sleek black dial with silver detailing is perfect for an understated yet effortlessly stylish finish. The Anchor watch is also available in other dial colour and material variations.

D&G is a brand that dares to be different which is also reflected in the marketing surrounding the watches including the D&G Time ad campaigns. However, with an extensive range of classic and more traditional watches in addition to bold statement designs, this makes D&G a brand applicable to each individual and style personality. A D&G watch wearer is confident and stylish and not afraid to stand out in a crowd. Why not take a look at the fabulous watch collection the brand has to offer and add some daring D&G attitude to your look this season!