Career
Dolce began his career and gained practical experience helping in his family's businesses.[4] In 1980, he met Stefano Gabbana. At the time, they were both working for designer Giorgio Correggiari.[4] Initially, as the two shared the same office space, a professional rivalry developed, as Dolce feared that Gabbana might copy his ideas.[5][6]
By 1982, Dolce and Gabbana founded a fashion consulting studio and two years later, they launched Dolce & Gabbana S.p.A. (D&G).[4][3]
Dolce serves as the tailor within the partnership, responsible for drafting designs and developing prototypes. He takes an active role in ensuring the quality of each garment through a thorough fitting process.[7] Additionally, it was Dolce's idea to engage photographer Ferdinando Scianna, a decision that enhanced D&G's brand presence among the Italian audience.[7]
Before their official runway debut, Gabbana and Dolce organized grassroots fashion shows in unconventional locations around Milan, including a small apartment and even a fast-food restaurant. Using friends as models and without professional PR support, these presentations helped create enough buzz to secure their spot at Milano Collezioni.[8]
D&G's initial women’s collection was presented in Milan in 1985. This collection featured handcrafted designs with intricate fastening systems and drew inspiration from Italian actresses such as Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani.[4] In March 1986, D&G presented its inaugural collection and organized its own show, titled "Real Women."[9] The first D&G store opened in Milan at 7 Via Santa Cecilia in 1987.[9] In 1988, D&G formed a partnership with Dolce's father, Saverio, who owned the manufacturing company Dolce Saverio in Legnano, near Milan.[10]
D&G continued to expand; they partnered with the Kashiyama group, establishing their first boutique in Tokyo, Japan in 1989 and introducing a men's collection in 1991.[4] In November 1990, D&G inaugurated its New York City showroom at 532 Broadway in SoHo, Manhattan. The brand released its first fragrance, Dolce & Gabbana Parfum, in October 1992.[10]
In 1993, Dolce & Gabbana gained worldwide recognition when Madonna chose them to design the costumes for her Girlie Show World Tour.[3] TThey have since created designs for notable personalities such as Monica Bellucci, Kylie Minogue, Angelina Jolie and Isabella Rossellini.[11] From 1995-2004, Marcolin allowed Dolce & Gabbana to produce and distribute its eyewear and sunglasses.[12][13]
Further additions to the D&G line included ties, belts, handbags, sunglasses, watches, and footwear. By 2003, the company had overtaken Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Versace in the domestic market in Italy. In 2009, approximately 25 years after D&G's establishment, the company operated 113 stores and 21 factory outlets, employing a staff of 3,500 individuals and achieving an annual turnover exceeding €1 billion.[14]
Beginning in 2023, Dolce & Gabbana ventured into the real estate business, announcing two residential projects, one in Miami, USA and another in Marabella, Spain. They are also planning to build a hotel in Maldives.[15][16] In June of that year, the brand announced a collaboration with Havaianas to create a sandal collection featuring signature prints like zebra, leopard, majolica-glazed pottery, and Sicilian cart patterns, crafted in a luxurious printed velvet finish.[17]
