Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana is an Italian high fashion house founded in 1985 by designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in Legnano (MI). The duo's first collection was shown in October of that year, alongside five other new labels, as part of Milan Fashion Week, but the sales of this initial collection were quite disappointing. In 1987, the duo launched a separate line of knitwear, and in 1989, they began designing a line of lingerie and swimwear. In 1990, they launched their first men's collection. That year, they moved the design house to its first proper offices and began designing evening wear and other more expensive pieces, in addition to their original clothing. Their spring/summer 1990 women's collection referenced Raphael's mythological painting, and the duo began to build a reputation for crystal-covered dresses. The fall/winter 1991 women's collection was adorned with charms, including filigree medallions and decorated corsets. The fall/winter 1992 women's collection was then inspired by the silver screen of the 1950s, yet still included crystal-adorned bodysuits. In 1991, their men's collection was awarded the Woolmark Award for the most innovative men's collection of the year. What is considered their first attempt at international recognition came when Madonna wore a gem-encrusted corset and accompanying jacket by Dolce & Gabbana to the premiere of "In Bed with Madonna" at the Cannes Film Festival. The duo then worked with Madonna in 1993 to design over 1500 costumes for the international tour of her Girlie Show in support of her 1992 album Erotica. That same year, the company launched its second main line, D&G, a line aimed at younger people. They launched their first women's perfume in 1992, called Dolce & Gabbana Parfum, which won the Perfume Academy award for best women's perfume of the year in 1993. Their first men's perfume, Dolce & Gabbana pour Homme, was awarded the best men's perfume of the year by the same Academy in 1995. In the 2000s, Dolce & Gabbana drew considerable inspiration from the sport of soccer. In 2003, the men's line drew inspiration primarily from the world's greatest soccer stars. The main source of inspiration and cradle of Dolce & Gabbana's style is Sicily. Sicily represents the brand's identity. Originally inspired by the eclectic Bohemia vintage shop, Dolce & Gabbana's colorful animal prints have been described as "high hippy." "When we design, it's like making a movie," says Domenico Dolce, "we think of a story and design clothes that fit it."