Dolce & Gabbana Make 'Tourist Chic' a Thing

It's the last day of Milan Fashion week, so before we (virtually) jet over to the City of Light, let's get our Italian fix one last time, shall we? The most Italian designers of them all, Dolce and Gabbana, have always been known for their luscious, sun-drenched portrayals of Italian living — but this year, they're celebrating not just the Italian woman, but the Italian tourist. She may be clad in head-to-toe souvenirs, but she looks good.

The duo sent a massive show of almost 80 looks down the Milan runway last week, inspired by "a dream of Sicily," which is Domenico Dolce's birthplace. The collection was like a living postcard, printed with monuments, ruins, stones, columns, and blossoms. There were belts, earrings, shoes, and necklaces made from huge Roman-esque coins. There were heels inspired by temples. And lest you start picturing tourists in white sneakers and fanny packs, there were elegant purses and swathes of colorful fur to top it all off. Let's take a look:

This collection is a gorgeous, playful blending of three things: the Italian woman, the Italian historical monument, and the Italian tourist. Just check out those postcard-worthy prints! Those tacky golden coins! Oversized, fake, and vaguely historical — sounds like the type of thing you might sheepishly bring back from Italy and give to your baby sister.

As always, Dolce and Gabbana are celebrating the female shape, beautifying her body — but this time, it's a little bit humorous, and seriously clever. The female tourist embodies the historical ruins. The dead emperors become modern couture. These Italians are embracing the greatness of their homeland, but they're not afraid to commodify it... just a little.