Dolce & Gabbana needs no introduction. This iconic fashion brand is instantly recognisable worldwide, and even its initials alone, D&G, are synonymous with its bold, dramatic luxury style. Here at Miinto, we pride ourselves on offering a staggering selection of pieces from this renowned Italian fashion house, each one a clear representation of the eye-catching, timeless designs Dolce & Gabbana is famous for. Whether you are on the hunt for a glamourous gown, a striking pair of sexy heels, a classic shoulder bag adorned with the hallmark logo, or one of its exquisitely tailored shirts, you will find an endless assortment of inspiring choices here at Miinto.
Italian Icons – Dolce & Gabbana
Domenico Dolce is known to have said, “We think of a story, and we design the clothes to go with it.” To truly understand the vision behind this glamourous, envelope-pushing brand, we need to follow the story of this dynamic designing duo from its rather humble Italian roots to the trendsetting empire it is today.
Domenico himself was born near Palermo, Sicily, into a traditional Italian ‘famiglia’, who ran a small clothing business. Exposure to the industry came at an early age for him, as he helped in the shop alongside his family. Stefano Gabbana was born in the fashion capital of Italy, Milan, and the blending of these two distinct heritages has been a trademark of their partnership since its inception.
The two met in the early 1980’s, when they were both designing for the Italian fashion brand Giorgio Correggiari. Inspired to explore the possibilities of collaboration, they soon founded their joint design consulting studio in 1983. Their entrance into the fashion scene would naturally be in Milan, where they introduced their first women’s collection in 1985, and where their headquarters remain today.
Entitled ‘Geometrissimo,’ the designs were unveiled at the world-famous Milan Fashion Week alongside other promising Italian labels, but it wasn’t all glamour in those early days. Without sufficient funds for proper models or outfit accessories, Dolce and Gabbana recruited friends to debut their styles, accessorising with their own personal items. Legend has it, that the stage curtain was a bed sheet from Dolce’s home!
Continuing to draw on inspiration and resources from their native land, Dolce & Gabbana’s self-produced collection, ‘Donna Vere/Real Women,’ also featured local women as runway models. Sales at the start were disappointingly slow, so much so that the pair had decided to cancel a fabric order for subsequent designs. In a destiny-altering twist of fate, the cancellation was mistakenly never processed, and Dolce’s family stepped in with supplementary funding. Their story continued …
Sicilian Style
With fabric ready and waiting in Milan, Dolce & Gabbana pressed on, and their climb to the heights of the fashion world picked up pace. They went from designing pieces that only a select few industry specialists were aware of to making a noteworthy impression on the Italian fashion market with just their fourth collection. Drawing heavily on their Sicilian roots, the assortment’s advertising campaign was shot on-site and was significantly inspired by the black and white images of 1940s Italian cinema. This prestigious era of the silver screen has remained a constant muse for the brand ever since.
One particular figure-hugging silhouette from this collection, ‘The Sicilian Dress,’ has been called one of the 100 most important dresses ever designed, as it embodies the grace and glamour of this strong Italian label.
Madonna and Masculinity
The team proceeded to venture into new and varying product lines, launching knitwear, underwear and swimwear collections, progressively becoming the fashion powerhouse we know today. Stores and showrooms were opened in Japan and the US, with innovative men’s designs and award-winning fragrances following suit.
The merging of traditional masculine aesthetics with sensual women’s garments began in earnest and has since become a trademark of the brand. When Madonna chose a Dolce & Gabbana gemstone encrusted corset accompanied by a powerful suit jacket for the 1991 New York City premiere of her movie, “Truth or Dare: In Bed with Madonna,” their position as one of the fashion world’s heavyweights was undeniable. This partnership with Madonna would continue, resulting in costume design for her international tour, as well as work with other commanding female musical artists, such as Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige.
The house’s characteristic double-breasted jacket gained fame on the bodies of supermodels like Christy Turlington, and consequently, a man’s suit became a symbol of female strength and confidence.
Changing Fashion Forever
Dolce & Gabbana has continued to push the boundaries of fashion norms, as they have drawn style inspiration from American gangster motifs and defined cutting-edge chic. They have become known for whimsical designs bejewelled with crystals and adorned with fanciful embellishments. Animal prints also figure largely in the Dolce & Gabbana legacy, as they contribute to the edgy, indulgent brand ethos.
All the while never veering from the sharp tailoring, quality craftmanship and unerring fashion sense their native Italy is known for. The Sicilian culture is at the core of the brand’s identity, and Dolce & Gabbana have a long history of supporting and promoting its Italian heritage. From presenting new collections in the shadow of famed Italian landmarks to producing attire for Italian football teams, to restoring and reopening the Il Metropol theatre in Milan, Dolce & Gabbana take exquisite pride in the aesthetics and artisanship around them. The two production factories remain in Italy, so customers are assured a genuine connection to the wellspring of the brand.
As Dolce & Gabbana’s influence has spread, so has its reputation for upper-echelon luxury. Company collaborations have led to gold-adorned cell phones, exclusive car designs and top-shelf Martini bars in their fashion showrooms. This indulgent, high-octane lifestyle has become something customers the world over long for. It’s been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and this is something Dolce & Gabbana have been vulnerable to as European designers attempt to capture some of the essence of ‘the stylists’ of the century.
Here at Miinto, you can be assured of your opportunity to own an original piece of the Dolce & Gabbana story, rather than a mere copy. Beneath the detailed embroidery of an elegant D&G jacket or the ornate black lace of feminine lingerie, everyone knows a bold, modern, confident woman stands in her convictions. At Miinto, we strive to offer an assortment of upscale, luxury brands, with the goal of meeting each of our customer’s varying needs. No collection of these would be complete with the legendary Dolce & Gabbana, and neither are you.