Close your eyes. Picture flashing lights at a runway show. Now think of the one thing that's missing that would make that experience more relaxing. A delectable cup of coffee. That's exactly what Dolce & Gabbana had in mind with their collaboration with fellow Italian coffee and moka pot company Bialetti. A unique 3-part, 19 product collaboration, born out of Italian artisan luxury, perfectly blends two iconic pieces of Italian heritage. This collaboration is broken into three categories; Sicilian Cart, Mediterranean Blue, and of course, Leopard. Each of these sets are deeply one of a kind, and perfectly encapsulates Dolce & Gabbana’s quintessential Sicilian aesthetic. From the classic Caretto pattern, to the leopard print, and the rich blues of the Mediterranean, this luxury collab is combining the fashion world with the illustrious world of luxury home goods. By adding classic D&G signature prints to these coffeemakers there is a bigger story to be told.  

Coffee is already a major part of many people's lives around the world, and each country has their own way to brew their perfect cup of joe. The Italian way is with the use of the Moka Pot. Patented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, this device is certainly a different way to brew coffee as opposed to simply pushing a button and waiting a couple seconds. Italian culture has inspired many brands and is a holy grail in fashion and pop culture. Dolce & Gabbana have a preestablished mantra of celebrating their Sicilian/Italian heritage in all of their designs. So what better way to intertwine two iconic companies that represent Italian lifestyle, than to join forces to create the luxury collab of the decade. Like its unique instructions, the octagonal shape intricately differentiates the designs from its typical cylindrical competitors. This identifiable design is one of the many reasons why Bialetti has gained popularity, they have stated that this is “A collection that celebrates the dialogue between design, creativity, and Italian lifestyle through a print emblematic of the Dolce & Gabbana creative universe: sensual, bold, and with a cutting edge.” This is different from Dolce & Gabbana's wheelhouse of creating garments and accessories. Showing that their brand identity can shine through all forms of luxury goods, without seeming like a cash grab, but rather a calculated and well-thought out luxury collaboration. 

D&G x Bialetti at their shop in Rome, Italy by Ellia Romeiro-Lourenco                                   

Dolce & Gabbana are among the many luxury fashion brands that are entering the lifestyle industry. But is it for the love of the game, or is it simply strategy? D&G have always had their Italian background as a blueprint for their creations, and there is nothing more Italian than using a moka pot to brew your coffee. This collaboration feels deeper than business, and it is a direct correlation to their brand identity. Many luxury brands are broadening their horizons and branching out into products that wouldn't normally be in their catalogue. By selling a “brand universe” luxury fashion brands are expanding their doors to more meaningful collaborations rather than selling individual items that only fit one category. 

D&G x Bialetti at their shop in Rome, Italy by Ellia Romeiro-Lourenco                 

Dolce and Gabbana are trailblazers in the fashion industry. They are selling an experience rather than a product, and in doing so they are further allowing themselves to deepen the loyalty of their clients, dive into lucrative experiential spending, and make their aesthetic marketable beyond garments. What lifestyle products could we see next from the Italian fashion house? Only time will tell.

Bialetti x Dolce & Gabbana Ad Campaign