Discovering the world of real estate with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

The founders of the well-known Dolce&Gabbana brand in the aftermath of their breakthrough in the real estate sector

Few houses in the global fashion world make as much effort to connect to their roots as Dolce&Gabbana, the fashion house founded in Milan in 1984 by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

From haute couture to beauty, from prêt-à-porter to men’s fashion, from haute horlogerie to jewellery, synonymous with luxury and high Made in Italy craftsmanship, after having recently added a splendid home collection to its constellation of lines, Dolce&Gabbana has now entered the world of real estate.

You celebrated the opening of your first boutique in Dubai with a ‘special fashion show’ several years ago. How do you remember your first encounter with this international metropolis?

Stefano Gabbana It was a wonderful experience! To celebrate opening our boutique at the Dubai Mall, we organised a fashion show where we created a special collection, a dialogue between the two cultures. The Sicilian lighting of the set-up, in perfect harmony with the clothing, contributed to the magic. We were given a warm welcome by everyone... we will never forget all the affection! Immediately after the parade, we ended the evening with a big party.

Domenico Dolce Dubai has always been an ever-changing city bursting with energy. In recent years it has become more and more of a landmark. We can’t wait to come back!

Born with the craftsmanship DNA, you have grown over time to become one of the strongest advocates of Made in Italy and one of the most sensitive supporters of local Italian craft traditions. What is the weight of craftsmanship and made-to-measure in the Dolce&Gabbana maison today?

D.D. Made in Italy is our hallmark, a value upon which we have built our history and our image in the world day after day. Our aim is to enhance our country, to value not only the land, but also its culture and traditions.

S.G. From clothing to beauty and design, our entire universe revolves around celebrating the traditions of Italian craftsmanship. It is a a priceless asset admired all over the world, which should not only be preserved, but also protected.

Over four decades you have opened up to many areas of luxury, each time with results of absolute excellence in content and manufacture. These include the one dedicated to home and design in 2021. What choices have successfully guided you in this universe?

S.G. We have dreamed about launching the Dolce&Gabbana Casa line for a long time. So we presented our first collection in 2021 at the Alta Moda events in Venice. More than a division, it is an extension of our lifestyle, a life project, which maintains the core characteristics and DNA of the brand.

This year saw your debut in real estate and hospitality, with three large operations in Miami, Marbella and the Maldives. What does it mean to bring your identity into dialogue with the highest standards of international hospitality?

S.G. Here, too, our goal is the same: to be a spokesman for Made in Italy in the world, remaining faithful to the approach that characterises the way we work on all fronts. We do not simply put our logo on projects carried out by third parties: we are involved in every single aspect, contributing our values and vision to offer the highest hospitality experience.

How important is craftsmanship and what role does Made in Italy play in your home and furniture sector?

D.D. The Dolce&Gabbana Casa line is in itself a tribute to the excellence of Italian craftsmanship. In fact, we worked with several craftsmen to make the pieces.

For us, it is a constant source of inspiration to see these businesses up close and learn their techniques: from the world of hand-painted Sicilian ceramics to mouth-blown glass by Murano experts... everything speaks of Made in Italy excellence.

What are the topics of the new home and forniture line?

D.D. With the first collection we started from our most iconic roots and prints - Sicilian Carretto, Mediterranean Blue, Leopard and Zebra. Then, at the last Milan Design Week, we presented two new themes, DG Logo and 24K Gold, which embody our expressive codes and translate them into unique creations.

S.G. Black and white, baroque, the courage to dare, attention to lines, contrasts... all of this is us.

Since the beginning of your career, how has the world changed for women and who is the woman you are addressing today?

S.G. Since the beginning, the Mediterranean woman has been a constant reference point of our creative imagination and our source of inspiration. This is the starting point of every collection. Today, after almost 40 years in the game, we find ourselves inundated with icons, images, ideas... but what will remain of all this? There is often a risk of confusing transient fashion with style, which transcends time and momentary trends. Thus, for our latest spring-summer 2024 collection, entitled Women, we wanted to create timeless pieces.