Dolce & Gabbana fall/winter 2008/2009 ad campaign

Dolce & Gabbana delivers one of the most interesting advertising campaigns of the Fall/Winter 2008/2009 season. Shot in an urban night scene, the ads have a strong dramatic effect owed to edgy fashion photographer Steven Klein, who is known for his dark, erotic, surreal visual aesthetics.

The story of these ads (both womenswear and menswear) talks about a night out with the gang, which is not looking to be a nice pastime. The shots capture Dolce&Gabbana's over-the-top glamour but induce also a quite disturbing feeling. A bunch of guys in sharp suits or tough looking shearling coats and croco jackets, with watch dogs in leashes...I bet I know where is this going.

Even the womenswear ads featuring blonde beauties Jessica Stam, Lily Donaldson and Caroline Trentini don't send out much sweetness. They look like they're meeting with the guys or fight with them, either way would make sense. And who are they running from (or to) in those long, flowing chiffon crinolines? As both collections were inspired by London' late 60s/early 70s rock bohemia, i guess a gutsier attitude was implied.