Minimalism? Sure, it has its place. But your penchant for sleek furniture or LBDs is best kept your dirty little secret when you’re schmoozing with Dolce & Gabbana.

And that’s something you might find yourself doing a lot more often, because the fiercely opulent beacon of luxury Italian fashion has finally swung open the doors of its first Australian flagship.

Perhaps that’s an understatement. They haven’t opened a store so much as they’ve condensed all Italy’s seductive extravagance into two stories and 300 square metres of Collins Street.

Behind Dolce & Gabbana Melbourne’s gothic brick façade you’ll find a cornucopia of luxe burgundy velvets, Basaltina volcanic stone and grand baroque Murano chandeliers – and that’s just the décor in the women’s section.

Clothes-wise you have your pick of Dolce & Gabanna’s ready-to-wear along as well as sunglasses, bags, fragrance, shoes and costume jewelry. You half expect the red silk damask paneling to open up and reveal a Sicilian bell-uomo holding a tray of chilled Prosecco.

But for a real romantic encounter, head to the grand staircase. The eveningwear housed upstairs is guaranteed to sweep even the most rational woman off her feet.

Dolce & Gabbana
171 Collins Street Melbourne 3000
03 9662 4732