Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana, often called D&G, is an Italian fashion house. It was started in 1985 in Legnano by two designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The company makes many kinds of items, such as clothes that are ready to wear, handbags, accessories, beauty products, and perfumes. They also let another company, Luxottica, use their name for glasses.

In April 2026, it was announced that Stefano Gabbana would leave his job as chair of the company in December 2025. Dolce & Gabbana has become well-known around the world for its stylish designs and unique approach to fashion.

History

Dolce & Gabbana was started in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in Italy. They first met in 1982 while working for a fashion brand and began their own design business soon after. Their early work included women's clothing and accessories, and they grew quickly, opening their first store in Milan in 1986.

Over the years, Dolce & Gabbana expanded to include many types of products like handbags, cosmetics, and fragrances. They have worked with famous people and created designs inspired by Italian culture, cinema, and art. In 2019, they made their clothes in larger sizes to include more people. In 2021, they created special digital items called NFTs. In April 2026, Stefano Gabbana announced he had stepped down from his role as chair in December 2025.

Brand extensions

Dolce & Gabbana had two lines, D&G and Dolce&Gabbana, until 2011 when they joined under one name.

Dolce&Gabbana

Dolce&Gabbana is the main name of the company. In 2010, they worked with singer Madonna on sunglasses called MDG. They make clothes, bags, and perfumes for men and women, including one called The One.

D&G

D&G was a younger line with more colorful styles. It stopped in 2011 so the company could focus on its main line.

Dolce&Gabbana Beauty

In 2022, Dolce&Gabbana started managing its own beauty products like makeup and perfume. By 2024, beauty products made up about 35% of all their sales. They added new perfumes and makeup, and even a special pet perfume in 2024.

Other product lines

Bridal collection

They make special wedding dresses, including some made for model Lady Kitty Spencer in 2021.

Underwear and Beachwear

In 1989, they added swimsuits and underwear. In 2000, they made separate underwear for men and women.

Eyewear

They make glasses and sunglasses, working with a company called Luxottica.

Junior Collection

They have clothes for boys and girls.

Anamalier collection

In 2006, they made bags with leopard prints. In 2007, they made travel bags with crocodile designs.

Cosmetics

In 2009, they started selling makeup with actress Scarlett Johansson.

Jewelry

In 2011, they began selling jewelry like charm bracelets and necklaces.

Perfume

They sell many perfumes like "The One" and "Light Blue". In 2014, actor Colin Farrell helped promote a new perfume called "Intenso".

Alta Moda

Alta Moda started in 2012 to honor Italian craftsmanship. Shows were held in famous places like Teatro alla Scala in Milan and Piazza San Marco in Venice.

The main lines are:

• Alta Moda – Women's line
• Alta Sartoria – Men's line
• Alta Gioielleria – Men's and Women's line
• Alta Orologeria – Men's and Women's line

Timeline

• July 2012 – Taormina. The first show had 73 designs showing Italian crafts. It started with an opera and continued the next day.
• 2013 – Milan/Venice. Shows were held in Milan and Venice, inspired by the city's symbols and art.
• 2014 – Milan/Capri. Shows in Milan's La Scala and on the island of Capri.
• 2015 – Milan/Portofino. Events in Milan and Portofino, inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
• 2016 – Milan/Naples. Shows in Milan and Naples, with designs inspired by Italian operas.
• 2017 – Milan/Palermo. Events in Milan and Palermo, honoring Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi.
• April 2017 – Tokyo, Japan and Beijing, China. Shows in Tokyo and Beijing honoring Asian culture.
• July 2017 – Palermo. Events in Palermo, with fashion shows in historic places.
• April 2018 – New York, USA and Mexico City, Mexico. Events in New York and Mexico City, inspired by Mexican culture.
• 2018 – Como/Milan. Shows on Lake Como, honoring an old Italian novel.
• 2019 – Agrigento/Milan. Events in Agrigento and Milan.
• 2020 – Florence. Online shows because of COVID-19, with a live event in September.
• 2021 – Venice. Events for the city's 1600th anniversary, with shows in historic places.
• 2022 – Sicily. Celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Alta Moda in Sicily and Miami.
• July 2023 – Valle d'Itria, Apulia. Events in Alberobello, Ostuni, and Spazio Ulivi Pettolecchia.
• 2024 – Sardinia. Events in Sardinia with famous guests.

Dolce&Gabbana Casa Furnishings and Furnishing Accessories

The Home Collection started in 1994 but stopped in 1999. In 2021, they brought back home products like furniture and decorations, working with Italian artisans. The collection was first shown in Venice during Alta Moda events.

Collaborations

Dolce & Gabbana has worked with many different companies to create special designs. Since 2004, they have designed clothing for soccer teams like A.C. Milan, the Italy national football team, and Chelsea F.C.. They also made special mobile phones with Motorola and Sony Ericsson, and even designed a special version of the Citroën C3 car.

In 2016, Dolce & Gabbana started working with Smeg to make beautiful kitchen appliances inspired by Italy and Sicily. They also made a special coffee set with Bialetti. In recent years, they have created fancy food products like pastries, wine, and chocolates with different Italian companies.

Fashion Designers supported by D&G

In December 2021, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana worked with South Korean designer Sohee Park for the Fall/Winter 2022 Milan Fashion Week. Before starting her own brand, Park worked at Marc Jacobs and Molly Goddard. Her first collection, called The Girl In Full Bloom, got attention from media like Vogue and Vanity Fair.

British designer Matty Bovan showed his first collection at Milan Fashion Week with help from Dolce & Gabbana. They helped with making the clothes and getting staff. His collection had hand-painted fabrics and colorful knitwear, made by local artisans in Yorkshire. Matty Bovan finished school at Central Saint Martins and is known for mixing new ideas with old skills.

Dolce & Gabbana also worked with Japanese designer Tomo Koizumi, famous for his bright and artistic designs. Koizumi started his brand in Tokyo in 2011 and has dressed famous people like Lady Gaga. In this teamwork, Koizumi used Dolce & Gabbana's special Carretto print in his designs, mixing his own style with the brand's well-known patterns. Even though his collection was praised, Koizumi said his designs are more about art than making things to sell.

Advertising campaign

Dolce & Gabbana created memorable advertisements for their fragrances. One of the first ads featured actress Monica Bellucci and was directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. The ad showed different women in everyday moments, with Bellucci changing into a stylish swimsuit. Another ad in 2003, also directed by Tornatore, was set during a funeral in Sicily.

In 2006, model Gisele Bündchen appeared in an ad for the fragrance "The One." The commercial showed her preparing for an event, putting on a beautiful golden dress and sunglasses. Dolce & Gabbana has partnered with many talented photographers and filmmakers over the years for their campaigns. The company received awards for their creative efforts in 2004 and 2006.

Inspirations and style

Dolce & Gabbana's style is inspired by Italy's film history and bohemian fashion from thrift shops. Their designs often feature deep colors and animal prints, aiming to tell a story like a movie. The designers focus on creating flattering clothes rather than just following trends. They take great pride in their Sicilian heritage, which strongly influences their style.

The brand gained attention early on with creative marketing, such as a notable photo series in 1987. Their designs are known for fitting well and accentuating the wearer's shape. In 2016, they introduced a special fashion line for Muslim women, including items like hijabs and abayas with pretty floral and fruit designs.

Books

Dolce & Gabbana, the famous fashion designers, have written almost two dozen books. These books include photo collections and compilations of their work. Many of the book sales help charities like the Children's Action Network and the Butterfly Onlus "école sans frontières" Foundation.

Here are some of their books:

• 1996 – 10 Anni Dolce & Gabbana
• 1997 – Wildness
• 1998 – Animal
• 2003 – Hollywood
• Calcio
• A.C. Milan
• 2004 – Music
• 20 Years Dolce & Gabbana
• 2006 – Milan
• 2006 Italia
• 2006 – Fashion Album
• 2007 – Secret Ceremony
• Family
• The Good Shepherd
• Milano Beach Soccer
• 2008 – Diamonds & Pearls
• 2010 – 20 Years of Dolce & Gabbana for Men
• 2011 – Icons 1990–2010
• 2011 – Fashion Shows 1990 – 2010
• Nazionale Italiana: South Africa 2010
• 2011 – Uomini
• Milan Fashion Soccer Players Portraits
• 2011 – David Gandy
• 2012 – Campioni
• 2013 – Lionel Andres Messi
• 2016 – Lin Dan
• 2017 – Generations: Millennials: The New Renaissance
• 2023 – Dolce&Gabbana Alta Gioielleria: Masterpieces of High Jewellery, edited by Carol Woolton
• 2023 – Nero: The Color of Dolce&Gabbana

Spaces and exhibitions

Dolce & Gabbana opened many special spaces for their fashion shows and events. In 1995, they started with an atelier called La sede di via San Damiano. In 2002, they moved to a big seven-floor boutique and office space called Lo showroom di via Goldoni in Milan. In 2006, they added another large show floor at Lo showroom di via Broggi.

The company also bought a historic cinema in Milan called Il Metropol, which was built in the 1940s. After fixing it up, they reopened it in 2005. In 2006, they opened IL GOLD, a place with a café, bar, bistro, and restaurant. They also had special bars called Martini Bar, first in Milan in 2003 and later in Shanghai in 2006.

By 2009, Dolce & Gabbana had 93 boutiques and 11 factory outlets in over 80 countries.

Besides fashion shows, Dolce & Gabbana used their spaces for art and photography exhibitions. After opening Il Metropol, they hosted shows by artist Ron Arad. They also showed photos by Enzo Sellerio in 2007 and Herbert List in 2008. In 2011, they held an open house and architecture exhibition with Studio Piuarch. The company also held book launches and photo shows, like one at the Palazzo della Ragione in Milan in 2009, featuring images from US Vogue.

Dolce & Gabbana has factories in Legnano and Incisa in Val d'Arno.

Controversies

Advertising

In February 2007, Dolce & Gabbana had to remove an ad in Spain after many people complained. The ad showed a man holding a woman down, which some said was disrespectful to women and did not match the products they were advertising. The ad was banned in Spain and Italy.

Hong Kong photography ban

In January 2012, people in Hong Kong were not allowed to take pictures of Dolce & Gabbana's store displays. This caused protests and news stories around the world. Dolce & Gabbana later said they were not involved in the ban and apologized to Hong Kong.

Gay adoption and in vitro fertilization

In March 2015, the founders of Dolce & Gabbana made comments in a magazine about families and having babies that many people did not agree with. This led to many people and famous individuals speaking out against them, and some stores were asked to stop selling their products. Dolce & Gabbana later said they respected different opinions but wished they had used better words.

Shanghai event promotion video

In November 2018, Dolce & Gabbana posted videos in China that many people found offensive to Chinese culture. This caused a big reaction, with some celebrities stopping work with the brand and some stores removing their products. Dolce & Gabbana apologized for the videos and said they loved Chinese culture.

Legal issues

In 2009, Dolce & Gabbana faced charges from the Italian government for moving money without telling the government. They were found guilty in 2013 of not sharing important money with the authorities and were given a jail sentence, but they disagreed with the decision. Later, in 2014, they were found not guilty by a higher court.

In 2018, Dolce & Gabbana had a problem with a show they planned in China that was cancelled. They sued a fashion website called Diet Prada, saying the website shared hurtful comments made by one of their designers. This led to big losses in business, with some stores removing their products. The designers said their social media account was hacked and apologized for what happened. Lawyers are now helping to defend the website owners.