Latest news with #CastelSantAngelo
Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Would you dress like the pope?
Just before the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria fashion show began last Wednesday, the guests mingled in front of the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo, which dates from AD123 — part papal residence, part mausoleum for emperors and part, as the name suggests, fortress. Among them, towering above those around him, was Manchester City's statuesque Erling Haaland, wearing an elegant pale grey combo of polo neck and relaxed, full trousers. Only a silver necklace over the knit sparkled as a decorative hint. But boy was he about to be eclipsed in the wardrobe department. The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria collection is unusual in the extreme. It is essentially couture for men and is presented each year in a different Italian location that the designer duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana select with a view of engaging in a dialogue with its history and tradition. This year they went for the big one: Rome. As Dolce says: 'Rome is an extraordinary city, an endless source of inspiration. It embodies our love for Italy and its roots, for the artists and creatives that in time have celebrated it.' Before the show as the invitees enjoyed an aperitivo, he confided to me that 'Rome is intense culturally — it is so different to Milan. You feel the presence and influence of the Vatican. It is a heavy city — not in a bad way, just intense.' This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue So when places were taken and the classical music soundtrack started, it perhaps shouldn't have come as such a surprise that the fashion show — the first permitted to be staged here — kicked off with a procession of 'cardinals' in their red vestments, like a scene from Edward Berger's movie Conclave. These took their place on the bridge that connects the castle to the city, the Ponte Sant'Angelo, which is lined with marble angels designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The models then began their own stately procession. We were treated to a visual symphony of luxurious hand-made decorative opulence, inspired, sometimes very literally, by ecclesiastical tailoring. Here, among the pink and black suits were tunic-style pieces that borrowed from the wardrobe of the Catholic Church: copes, chasubles and dalmatics. The embroidery and crystal decoration, the filigree made from gold bullion thread, the use of the cross as a recurring emblem in both clothing and jewellery — all this left us in no doubt that we were witnessing clothing possessed of grandeur. One golden brass filigree bodice displayed gemstones and crystals like a piece of body armour. Another bodice, constructed from a white fabric that looks like marble, featured a three-dimensional head of Saint Peter with the keys to the kingdom of heaven. And though some of the more extreme expressions would undoubtedly require quite the occasion to get a wearing, there were plenty of embroidered and embellished jackets and trousers that would do service at any dressy event — though admittedly ear-marking the wearer as someone who enjoys spectacle and theatre. But then the brand's Alta Sartoria is spectacular and theatrical. Those invited to attend are the label's top customers and this cohort decamp annually to whichever Italian city or venue the designers have designated. Last year it was Sardinia, previously it has been Venice and Florence. Alta Sartoria, launched in 2015, meaning literally 'high tailoring', is the male equivalent of what Dolce & Gabbana does for women: Alta Moda ('high fashion'). And like the women who attend those shows (and this week there was one the night before the men's event at Rome's historic Forum), the men at this couture bash place orders for what's on display. Often while the models are actually walking the catwalk. Prices start at about €50,000 and each piece is unique. If you buy one of these outfits you won't ever bump into anyone dressed the same. Not even Erling
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
5 Google Lens Features To Turn Lost Tourists Into Local Experts
Exploring local cultures and sightseeing are thrilling aspects of traveling. However, navigating language barriers or prioritizing activities can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Google Lens transforms your phone into a helpful research assistant, providing information to make your trip enjoyable anywhere in the world. You can perform a visual search by pointing your phone camera at landmarks, pictures, animals, and objects to learn more. Google Lens provides detailed answers as you verbally ask questions, type inquiries into the search bar, or choose from suggested follow-up prompts. For example, you can research a particular artist or painting at a gallery and see similar works. It's also helpful in identifying unmarked plants on a nature trail that you can incorporate into your home landscaping. This feature is also handy for pinpointing iconic landmarks, such as Rome's Castel Sant'Angelo, a prominent feature of the city's skyline. It helps you orient yourself to comprehend your phone maps or GPS and reduces the urgency of finding relevant tourist-friendly street markings. When available, Lens drafts a quick summary in an AI Overview that you can refine with subsequent questions. You can also see how websites incorporate images like the one you upload to understand the context, see if it's possible to visit, and more. It's essential to remember that Google Lens doesn't have 100% accuracy, and you may need to verify specific details, such as admission prices and hours of operation. You can quickly overcome language barriers by translating text in over 100 languages by snapping pictures of the following: This feature can help you navigate airports and train terminals to avoid wrong turns and waiting at the incorrect platform. While walking city streets or touring museums, you can also understand critical details in your native language with easy-to-digest summaries along with instant translations. This feature also helps you learn about local businesses, advertisements, and save contact details. You can use the text and image research tools to translate menus between nearby restaurants. For instance, it's possible to identify popular dishes, view photos, and read customer reviews through Google Maps. If you're hungry for a particular dish, share an image of it, add 'near me,' and Lens will find places that serve it. This tool is a fun way to discover highly rated restaurants and hidden gems that locals frequent. Whether you're still deciding where to eat or are already seated at the table, you can take a picture of the menu to survey the options, rather than relying entirely on the waitstaff. Whether you're picking out a souvenir, upgrading travel gear, or buying from a local farmer's market, Lens can help you make confident shopping decisions, including: You can take a picture of the item or its barcode to find the necessary information. Lens employs multi-search capabilities to integrate multiple recommendations of similar styles or alternate colors into a single query. This feature is a great way to determine if you're paying a fair price or buying a quality product. It can also help you decide if it's better to buy online or in person. In addition to real-time image processing, Google Lens can also breathe new life into your existing photo library, allowing you to revisit recent memories and those from long ago. Specifically, you may not remember where that picture from Grandma's photo album came from. Or, you're trying to recall where in Morocco you were when you saw sheep grazing in the mountains. The app compares your previous photos with online images to find the likely spot. It's also a fun way to see how landmarks have changed since your last visit and to identify clothing, paintings, or other objects in the photo that you'd like to know more about. Google Lens is an exciting travel tool that helps you confidently find the information you need while sightseeing, navigating public transit, shopping, or dining. Its continually improving capabilities reduce your reliance on potentially outdated travel guides or the chances of finding inaccurate information through basic web searches. Related Articles:
