Dolce & Gabbana co-founder Stefano Gabbana stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, shaping a family-built house where Italy's stories, culture and craftsmanship are continually reimagined to resonate with new generations.
Dolce & Gabbana co-founder Stefano Gabbana stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, shaping a family-built house where Italy's stories, culture and craftsmanship are continually reimagined to resonate with new generations.
Milan-born Stefano Gabbana’s vision for the luxury fashion house he co-founded in 1985 with Domenico Dolce has always been rooted in a devotion to Italy and the richness of its heritage. “I have a deep passion for my country of origin. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively throughout my life, but no place fascinates me more than Italy,” Gabbana reflects. “As one of the oldest and most historically rich countries in the world, Italy is an endless source of inspiration for many, all around the globe. Its influence can be seen everywhere — in fashion, art, architecture, cuisine, and traditions.”
Since its earliest days, Dolce & Gabbana has been a proud ambassador for Italy, with the design duo drawing on the nation’s artisanal, cultural, and thematic heritage to shape their decadent visions of Italian artistry. Of all their influences, Sicily has been the most profound. “The true spark came when I met Domenico Dolce, my partner and dear friend, who is originally from Sicily,” says Gabbana, recalling how “he introduced me to the traditions of his homeland, teaching me so much about their meaning and beauty.” He reflects on how he and Dolce, “immediately recognised a shared love for our roots, and from that connection, a vision was born: to tell the story of Italy through creativity, style, and beauty. Our collections are not just about fashion — they are about Italian stories, memories, symbols, and culture.”
"Family is a fundamental pillar for Italians — it represents our roots, our identity, and our sense of belonging."
This storytelling impulse is rooted not only in the design of the house’s collections but also in its dedication to craft. “Italy is a land of excellence, and its craftsmanship is truly one of a kind — unmatched, even though many try to imitate it,” says Gabbana. In a fashion world increasingly driven by financial remuneration, technology, and speed, Gabbana sees the brand’s work not just as an act of creativity but as a mission to safeguard heritage. For him, ensuring that the soul of Italian craft is never lost in translation is as vital as shaping the future of design itself. He describes the duty both he and Dolce feel “to pass on to future generations the immense potential our country holds, and to ensure that this legacy of beauty, skill, and tradition continues to thrive.”
This commitment to craft extends into the future, ensuring that the skills and spirit of Italian artistry are not forgotten with time. It is about preparing the next generations of artisans and designers, teaching them the technical mastery of the past and also the values that underpin it. For Gabbana, this means discovering, mentoring, inspiring, and guiding emerging talent. “Teaching the new generations about our experiences is essential, even if our journey is unique,” he says. “Sharing experiences means passing on values, identity, and vision — even when not everything reflects who we are.” In his view, teaching safeguards continuity, linking past and future through a common thread of craftsmanship, creativity, and respect for heritage.
For Gabbana, the values of independence and family leadership shape both his worldview and the structure of the house he helped build. “Family is a fundamental pillar for Italians — it represents our roots, our identity, and our sense of belonging,” he explains. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to uphold these values, but we are committed every day to preserving and carrying them forward.” While the industry has seen many houses taken over by corporate-owned brands, Dolce & Gabbana remains fiercely independent. “Of course, being independent is challenging, especially in times like these, when finance seems to have taken precedence over fashion and creativity. But we remain determined to follow our own path, staying true to our values, our vision, and what we deeply believe in.”
Looking ahead, Gabbana sees the concept of luxury itself evolving, shaped by innovation and sustainability but rooted in adaptability. “It is very easy to always respond in the same way, but very difficult,” he reflects. “As Darwin said, it is not the strongest or the smartest species that survives, but the one that adapts best to change.” In this sense, Dolce & Gabbana’s philosophy becomes clear: heritage is not a static inheritance but a living resource, continually reinterpreted for each new era.
In the house of Dolce & Gabbana, tradition is not nostalgia. It is the foundation upon which the future is built, ensuring that every stitch carries both memory and vision. The enduring relevance of the brand lies in its ability to tell stories that are timeless, yet ever evolving — stories of family, of craft, of Italy, and of the resilience needed to thrive in a world that is constantly changing.
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