I was happy to see that Sicilian fashion duo Dolce and Gabbana (well, one of them is Sicilian anyway) have turned back to Sicily to inspire their Summer 2016 collection.
They must have heard I’ve moved back to England, because they included a matching umbrella in the collection this year. Thanks, guys!
This time they have focused entirely on that uniquely Sicilian tradition, the painted horse and cart.
As usual they are dressing the ladies up in bright colours.
The artistic tradition of the Sicilian carriage, or carretto Siciliano, is applied to many objects in Sicily as a matter of nationalistic pride.
Traditionally, this style of art is used on carriages, and on market stalls which sell nuts at village festivals. There is also a couple in my town (OK, my former town) who make all kinds of items using this style. I bought a clock and a set of hooks for keys.
This is a toy one sometimes made for children to play with, but more often as display items: 
The art style works well on suitcases.
And shoes.
I love the way D&G are applying the true Sicilian sense of humour in applying the same style to other objects.
A D&G bag:
A very patriotic Fiat:
And a traditional tambourine used widely to play Sicilian folk music:
You could have a go at saving a few thousand quid by customising some sunglasses for yourself, if you’re artistic.
Some artistic Sicilians do, and sell their jewellery, bags and other accessories in tourist areas. Look out in Taormina and the Etna area for some really nice examples. They may not be as good as these D&G ones, I must warn you! You get what you pay for!
My favourite item in the whole collection is definitely this, though:
The Dangerously Truthful Diary of a Sicilian Housewife 
Reblogged this on Sicilian Donkey Chef Services.
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I think I need to go wash out my eyes now with soap…
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Ooh you cheeky muffin, you!!!
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Same haha! I winced my way through that post 😉 And V, I’d love to see you in the second number!! At least it would dry quickly I guess…
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I’ve just forced myself to look at it again. And still – NO. Except for the bikini, it’s kinda cute. Not that I could ever wear it, but hey 😉
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It would detract attention from your attention-grabbing knees 😉
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Yup. My best feature.
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Those shoes are delightful, and the handbags as well, so evocative – I keep expecting to see Sophia Loren in one of the pictures – but I love the decoration on the Fiat the best – it must take so much time, effort and skill to decorate a car so intricately! I must confess I’ve never been to Sicily but now I see I’m missing out!
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So glad you are back, Veronica!
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One of the good things about forgetting your driver’s licence and being without a hire car is that you are forced to concentrate on destinations served by the bus route near your hotel! Thus we visited Palazzolo Acreide and a small museum where we first saw these wonderful carts. However, I think they may suit Italian colouring and weather better than a sun-starved English complexion and rain – save for the umbrella. If it’s functional (?) that would add a touch of brightness to Stoke in the rain.
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I hope it really is an umbrella… I suddenly realised it may be a parasol? That would be a bit more Sicilian!
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Glad to have you back. Too much. Love colors but if just a touch of our beautiful Sicilian colors would have been more tasteful.
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I think in reality you would use just one thing in your outfit instead of all over. For example one top with a plain skirt, or a bag with a little black dress. Though I have to admit I love the mass of crazy colours… clearly I no longer have English taste but have become fully Sicilian after 11 years there!
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OMG- I LOVE THIS! Thanks for sharing :^).
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Very colorful!
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Several years ago you showed us the ancient coins that inspired the D&G Collection. Loved it; not as flashy. I really like how you pick up on the Sicilian heritag in the D&G Collections. Any thoughts on doing a blog “Sicilian in England”? We would miss your insights!
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Yes, I have decided I will definitely continue blogging. I enjoy the comments and charts too much to give it up!
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It was a treat to hear from you and learn about the new line of Dolce & Gabbana
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Love love love it! This made me smile! If I had the $ id be buying a few of these pieces. Plus I just love when art and fashion is culturally appropriate. That makes me smile too. 😎
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