Explorations of Mario Dice
“One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.”
Written by Gabriella Chiarappa
Mario Dice celebrates the joy of travelling, exploring new territories, discovering new realities, moving towards unknown horizons. Latin American countries serve as the inextinguishable source of inspiration for his styles, which mix the designer’s signature intricate craftsmanship with flamboyant creativity. The color palette is joyful and bold. Referring lush flowers and tasty spices, it spans from acid green and primary red to bright purple and yellow ochre. The elegant, flattering silhouettes are fluid and put focus on both the waist and sleeves, which are cut with striking volumes. A couture-like approach informs the collection. Denim is elevated to reach new heights. An intricate patchwork of contrasting jean cloth recreates the portrait of Betty Catroux on a maxi dress featuring a plunging V-neck. The fashion icon’s face also appears on a T-shirt dress crafted from a range of stitched silk ribbon, which are printed with a wax-based technique, while precious crystal fringes draw a graphic tribal motif on a draped neckline jumpsuit. Leather crochet details decorate a black and white maxi lace frock and a silk eyelet dress is punctuated with crystals mimicking a lace effect. The sparkle continues with a three-tone wrap style featuring the bodice enriched with baguette beads, while mini wooden pearls, dyed with henna, pop up on a slip dress. Hosted inside an essential loft featuring a giant wood plank ceiling, a Beija Flor faux vintage tile stage and runway and a wide range of fresh and dried trees and bushes, as well as vintage wooden props, all supplied by Wildwood Milan, the show celebrates the most authentic and natural creativity, craftsmanship and feminine charm.
