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…