Susan makes her way through central Milan on the eve of the Dolce & Gabbana show

Susan at the Santa Tecla Cafe with knitwear designer Aber Gazzi, left, and photographer Alex Habesland

Believe it or not, this was my first time attending Milan Fashion Week. Not for lack of interest–I love Milan and travel there often–but between New York, London and Paris there’s been so much to do, attending shows in Milan seemed impossible. This season, however, I received a special invitation from Dolce & Gabbana –and since I’d already made plans to attend the Paris Prêt-à-Porter, I moved up my flight, flew to Paris, unpacked at the Crillon and continued to Milan. A whirlwind trip, but worth the effort.

I’m a big fan of Dolce & Gabbana’s designs, and I only shop in their main boutique in Milan. That said, what intrigued me most about this season’s show was rumor of the innovative digital experience being planned: giant screens mounted inside the Metropol (Dolce & Gabbana’s regular venue) for projecting livestream tweets, plus scenes from the runway and backstage. I’m a great proponent of social media, so I had to see what this was all about!

Let me tell you–it was a wow. My favorite pieces were the sexy, form-fitting dresses in below-the-knee lengths; there were also some fabulous short skirts and amazing, fur-trimmed coats. And while I loved most of the collection, not everything was right for me (the androgynous looks, so reminiscent of Madonna’s Open Your Heart video, just weren’t my style). Still, there was plenty to choose from as I made my list. Meanwhile, the music was fun and upbeat, and the whole show seemed to put the audience in a happy mood.

Candice Swanepoel and other models make their way out the back

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana open champagne to celebrate their media blitz

Susan with, from left to right, Kristin Know, Denni Elias and Bryanboy

After the show, I was invited backstage to meet the team. Dolce & Gabbana is now heavily invested in digital technology, and obviously understands how to use social media to reach fans and clients. This is a big part of my work, too–I spend hours talking to brand representatives, most of whom are looking for creative ways to engage consumers. So it was great to be on hand for Dolce & Gabbana’s demonstration: here’s a brand that really gets it!

The inspiration board for this season’s collection: Janelle Monáe, Madonna and Linda Evengelista

Susan and Stefano Gabbana

I had an especially warm greeting from Stefano Gabbana–we’d met once before, at Milan’s Club Plastic. My experience with his whole team was nothing but a pleasure–everyone was warm, welcoming and genuine. All in all, an overwhelming, exciting and very fun adventure.

Susan being interviewed by Yigit Turhan for Dolce & Gabbana’s Swide.com

After enjoying the celebration backstage, I was interviewed by Yigit Turhan in Dolce & Gabbana’s beautiful VIP room. The conversation will appear on Swide.com (and here on SusanTabak.com, too). Stay tuned! Meanwhile, all I can say is, “Bravo, Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana!”

Photographs by Arnaud Paumier; some runway images via Style.com.