Dolce & Gabbana Menswear, 2012

If you really wanted to get away from the global recession and economic blues then your best destination this month is surely a runway show by Dolce & Gabbana.

In their fall 2012 men's collection shown on Saturday, Jan. 14, the Sicilian duo went back to their roots on the Mediterranean island sending out a hyper polished, ornately finished take on modern gentlemen's attire. The result was a clever meeting of bullion - metallic braid typically seen on regimental gear - strict yet dashing tailoring and the pair's latest injection of sex and sass.

Much of this impressive collection looked like couture for men, so finely hand-made, so opulently finished. Underling the uptown mood - a score of waiters in tails and white tie served champagne in English style open glasses - all very Downtown Abbey. Plus, the show opened with several grandly chic capes, a Sicilian version known as a Tistera, based on an original design created by Stefano Gabbana's tailor father.

It was very much country house England meets Sicilian aristocracy with exact two-button, deep gorge suits in Prince of Wales or herringbone wools.