I grew up in the 90's, the era of "SUPER Models"....Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz..., so naturally I have a special liking of everything lavish and exaggerated as much as I appreciate an artistic and almost theatrical approach to fashion.    
     This being said, it is more than natural that my favorite designers happen to be John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Gianni Versace. Recently, however, there were another two men joining the team... Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana in particular.

     Their Fall/Winter 2012 Runway show has totally captivated me. The models styled like the characters of famous Italian 17th century paintings looked breathtakingly angelic. Golden embroideries recalled Baroque mirrors and frames, while the needlepoint was most likely inspired by dining room tapestries with painterly cherub and angel prints throughout.
    The needlepoint floral pieces were both beautiful and more wearable, but somehow reminded me more of Spring/Summer than Fall/Winter. The embroidered capes, bags and footwear worked as elaborate statement pieces as did the needlepoints.

It is the best to see for yourself:

My all-time favorite though is an old... almost ancient Fashion Show - Galliano's "Diorient Express" Fall/Winter 1998/99 Haute Couture. I remember to be mesmerized by it back then so much, I actually had to go way back into the past and dig up this ancient definitely no HD video, but it's still worth of seeing. I miss those days of theatrical shows full of unexpected surprises...