Forty real bishops from Vatican circles took part in Dolce & Gabbana’s latest fashion show, which turned a historic Roman bridge into a dramatic runway. Wearing ceremonial robes, the bishops walked alongside professional models in a bold display that mixed church tradition with high fashion. It was a rare sight—real Vatican bishops walking a runway set against the backdrop of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.
The show took place on Ponte di Castel Sant’Angelo, a bridge built by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD. It once linked the heart of Rome to the emperor’s future tomb.
Over the years, it has served as a fortress, then a papal home, and even appeared in classic films. On this evening, it lit up like a movie set, with powerful lights and actors from Cinecittà Studios dressed as cardinals, adding to the drama.
Designers blend religious style with luxury fashion
Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana focused their collection on church-inspired clothing. Some outfits were simple and clean, such as starched linen tunics that resembled modern versions of traditional church wear.
Others were rich and detailed, double-breasted suits decorated with jeweled crosses and grand capes bedazzled in shiny crystal designs.
Conclave (2024) STUNS in behind-the-scenes shots with Tirelli Costumi for Dolce & Gabbana. pic.twitter.com/jyklIB1G8Z
— Pope Crave (@ClubConcrave) July 18, 2025
The designers are no strangers to using religious ideas in their work. Both were raised in the Catholic Church.
A longtime fan once shared a story, possibly just a rumor, that Dolce first met Gabbana at a Milan nightclub in 1980 while dressed as a priest. True or not, the story fits the brand’s long history of combining fashion with faith.
@looparchive1 Dolce and Gabbana Alta Sartoria 2025 used 40 Vatican bishops to open their fashion show . I guess the Lord was invited 🤲🙏. | #bishop #aura #dolceandgabbana #aurafarming #highfashion #rome #altasartoria
♬ Aura – 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓹𝓽𝓸.𝓜𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓼
Public reactions to church-themed couture
In 2022, Dolce & Gabbana marked ten years of their haute couture line with a show in Siracusa. That event featured models dressed as Sicilian widows and young nuns, again showing their strong link to church style. While this mix of the sacred and the stylish can seem risky, the designers say it comes from respect.
Don Alberto Rocca, Dolce’s priest and a regular at their events, agreed. “You are on the razor, as we say in Italian, but what I like is that it’s not mocking, it’s about the spirit. More often than not, you see people using religious symbols in order to deprive them of their symbolism, but that’s not the case with D&G; otherwise, I would not be here.”
The show opened with a cape showing the 1903 papal conclave. While the church theme stood out, many guests were drawn to the skill behind the designs. The details, fabrics, and effort created a powerful, dream-like effect.
As fireworks lit the sky above the Tiber River, the show came to a close. Dolce smiled and joked, “I want to be Pope very soon.” In fashion, he might already be.
