Dolce & Gabbana is a luxury Italian fashion brand that was founded by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in 1985. The company has become known for their glamorous and sophisticated designs, often incorporating bold prints and vibrant colors into their clothing and accessories. In addition to ready-to-wear collections for men and women, they also produce shoes, handbags, fragrances, and other lifestyle products. Their clothes have been worn by celebrities and models around the world, making them one of the most recognizable names in high-end fashion.
The duo met as assistants at an Italian designer, then launched their own line after a brief period working separately. They debuted in Milan in 1985, drawing inspiration from streetwear and punk rock to create unconventional looks characterized by Sicilian influences, such as bright colors, floral motifs, lace, and gold brocade. They quickly gained attention among young customers, earning critical acclaim along the way. By the early '90s, Hollywood stars were wearing their creations both onscreen and off. In particular, model and actress Monica Bellucci became something of a muse to the label.
Despite initial difficulties securing funding—their first show nearly didn’t happen due to lack of cash flow—Dolce & Gabbana went public in 2004 through a merger with Luxembourg holding company JAB Holding Co., joining forces with brands like Escada, Tommy Hilfiger, and La Perla. Today, they count Kylie Minogue, Kate Moss, and Isabelle Huppert among their celebrity fans; Madonna memorably wore the designers at her Sticky & Sweet Tour performance at London's Wembley Stadium in 2008. While the brand still relies heavily on Italian craftsmanship, many pieces bear manufacturing hallmarks of fabric mills throughout Europe and Japan.
In recent years, they have faced controversy over comments made about LGBTQ+ rights, resulting in boycotts and protests against the brand. However, they continue to produce new collections featuring innovative materials and techniques, as well as collaborate with artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
