Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce&Gabbana is probably the most famous labels in the world of Italian ready-to-wear fashion. The talented duo have created a unique style that is globally recognizable.

The story of Dolce & Gabbana began in the 1980’s. Sicilian Domenico Dolce, born in 1958 and heir to a fashion studio met the Milanese graphic (later fashion) designer Stefano Gabbana while they were both working as assistant designers in a fashion studio in Milan. In 1982, they decided that the best way to express their unusual and extremely personal style was to work for themselves and open a design studio.

Their first break came in 1985 when the two Italian fashion designers were among three up and coming names chosen to present their collections in the New Talent category at the Milan Fashion Show. Just one year later they held their first show. The duo’s telent and creativity, coupled with  the interest from press and buyers meant that these new representatives of Italian fashion quickly became famous all over the world.

This first success gave Dolce&Gabbana the confidence to pursue their own vision of fashion. They expanded gradually, avoiding offers of easy money for licenses before they were sure of their direction.

The duo work extremely hard. They make their own paper patterns, prototypes and accessories and actively follow their sales, shows, public relations and advertising campaigns. Their vision and personalities are stamped on everything they do. The partners’ philosophy is reflected in their work. Dolce & Gabbana’s fashion is for “real” women; it is sensual and austere, clearly drawing inspiration from the creators’ Mediterranean culture and its wonderful colors.

In 1988, after moving into a larger showroom and launching their first knitwear collections, the Italian duo began a collaboration with Saverio Dolce, Domenico Dolce’s family company, for the ready-to-wear lines. The same year, Dolce&Gabbana signed an agreement with the Onward Kashiyama group and started distributing their designs in Japan.

In just a few years, the Italian brand had expanded. In 1990 they launched lingerie, beachwear and menswear collections, the same year that Dolce and Gabbana signed further agreements to design the Complice line for the Genny Group, another important Italian fashion house. They expanded into Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei and Seoul. In 1999, they opened their London studio, designed by British architect David Chipperfield: the result of the collaboration being a blend of the designers’ Mediterranean roots and a hint of English taste.

In 1992 the Italian fashion label launched the first Dolce&Gabbana Parfum for women, to be followed by the men’s version in 1994 and both winners of the top prizes in their sector. It was followed by Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue in 2001 (and in 2007 the male version) and in 2003 by Dolce&Gabbana Sicily. The advertising campaign for this classic fragrance starred Italian actress Monica Bellucci under the direction of Giuseppe Tornatore and with music by Ennio Morricone. More recently they launched the equally successful and acclaimed Dolce&Gabbana The One.

In the 1990’s, Dolce & Gabbana created the D&G line, starting with a men’s collection in 1994. Aimed at a young public, full of energy and creativity, the D&G logo differentiated the label and marked it out as belonging to a new, younger market.

The same year, the Italian label created its first line of home accessories, initially available only in Dolce and Gabbana points of sale. A year later an agreement with the Marcolin Company allowed Dolce & Gabbana to produce and distribute its eyewear and sunglasses collections. In 2000, they create their first line of watches, achieving global success under the label D&G time. They also launched their first children’s collection, Dolce&Gabbana Junior as well as D&G Underwear.

The Italian duo’s unique style soon caught the eye of pop superstar Madonna, who commissioned them to create a special line for her world tour in 1993. “The Girlie Show” collection included 150 exclusive and unique outfits. The event was repeated in 2000 when Dolce & Gabbana designed not only the costumes, but all the stage sets, transforming Madonna’s show with their unmistakable style.

They also created collections for Whitney Huston for her 1999 tour and a special line for Kylie Minogue. Their relationship with music became even stronger when, in 1996, Dolce&Gabbana came out with its first single, D&G music, followed by many other dance and house music tracks.

Dolce&Gabbana’s story has been the subject of several different books. Photos of some of the world’s most famous models like Linda Evangelista and Isabella Rossellini by photographers like Steven Meisel, Mario Sorrenti and Ferdinando Scianna appear in a book marking the 20th anniversary of the Italian design label. Other books have focussed on the world of sport, especially Italian football, something which Dolce&Gabbana is very involved in having designed the Milan football club strip.

With an estimated annual turnover of about one billion of Euros (growing year on year), celebrated stores in the main fashion capitals and more than 100 shops all over the world, the talented duo that is Dolce&Gabbana have ensured their place in the worldwide hall of fashion fame.

Dolce&Gabbana S.r.l. ITALY Registered office

Group’s headquarters and head office

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