WORDS BY OLIVIA WOODHOUSE

When Sicily-born Domenico Dolce and Milan native Stefano Gabbana met in 1980, they unknowingly laid the foundations for one of fashion’s most influential brands. Today, Dolce&Gabbana is synonymous with Italian luxury, celebrated for its instantly recognizable maximalist aesthetic that explores Mediterranean culture and femininity through lace, corsetry, Leopard print and the famous Maiolica print. Keep reading to delve further into the house's iconic history and discover the vast offering of styles on FARFETCH.  

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Dolce&Gabbana debuted at Milan Fashion Week in 1985. Founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana enlisted friends to model their collection because they couldn’t afford professionals, even using a bed sheet as the runway curtain. Despite a muted reception, they persevered, unveiling a second collection and opening their first boutique in 1986.

The brand quickly expanded, launching knitwear in 1987, followed by underwear and beachwear in 1989. Its first menswear collection arrived in 1990 and won the prestigious Woolmark Prize a year later. In 1992, Dolce&Gabbana entered the fragrance world with Pour Femme, a scent that remains a signature today.

The house’s global profile soared in the 1990s thanks to Madonna, who wore its iconic corsets and commissioned the brand to design costumes for her 1993 world tour ‘The Girlie Show’. D&G, the more casual diffusion line, launched in 1994 before being folded back into the main label in 2011. Other defining moments included costume design for Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and the introduction of the now iconic Sicily Bag.

The 2000s saw the brand dress stars including Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige and Kylie Minogue, all while expanding its accessories and leather goods offering. More recently, it embraced digital innovation with one of luxury fashion’s first NFT collections and collaborated with Kim Kardashian on the Ciao, Kim Collection. In 2026, Alfonso Dolce succeeded Stefano Gabbana as chairman, with Gabbana remaining in his creative role alongside Domenico Dolce to continue the duo’s creative legacy.

Whether you’re looking for a top in signature Leopard print or a skirt in Maiolica print, our selection of Dolce&Gabbana clothing promises to step up to every occasion. Trousers come in palazzo styles and tailored cuts, while jackets feature shearling lining and structured silhouettes. Saving the best until last, dresses showcase showstopping embellishment and Riviera glamour.

The smart-casual saviour, Dolce&Gabbana’s Portofino’s sneakers promise to step up your outfit, while the brand’s sandals channel Y2K energy through thong-style designs. For days spent lounging by the pool, check out our slides selection and to transition into vacation evenings, look out for plaque heels.

A delicate balance of opulence and structure, Dolce&Gabbana bags fulfil every fashion alter ego. First and foremost, the iconic Sicily Bag – a top-handle tote that exudes class. Perfect for days that require a polished aesthetic. For those looking for something more daring, look no further than the Devotion Bag featuring a lustrous Sacred Heart clasp. For more inspiration browse our crossbody and shoulder bag selection.

From exaggerated cat eye shapes to tinted pilot frames, Dolce&Gabbana Eyewear is your first port of call for statement-making sunglasses. Pair yours with a silk scarf tied around your hair a la Jackie Kennedy. Further afield, find accessories in all shapes and forms including leather purses and pendant keyrings. The perfect gift for a loved one or for yourself.

Elevate your living space with Dolce&Gabbana Casa and add the house’s signature Mediterranean energy to every room. Coffee lovers should browse our selection of Dolce&Gabbana and Bialetti Carretto Siciliano-print moka pot sets, while gourmands will fall for intricately decorated porcelain plates and tableware. If your household prizes rest and relaxation, look to plush cotton robes.

Yes, Dolce&Gabbana is an Italian brand. Stefano Gabbana is Milanese and Domenico Dolce is Sicilian. Almost 100% of the house’s products are produced in Italy, in line with the brand’s dedication to investing in the country.

Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce first met in 1980 while working at designer Giorgio Correggiari’s studio. Two years later, they went on to form a designer consulting studio together before officially founding Dolce&Gabbana in 1985.

According to reviews online, most Dolce&Gabbana’s clothing runs true to size. However, it’s important to note that reviewers highlighted the brand’s shoes often run small because of their Italian sizing. Reviewers suggest sizing up one size to be safe. For reference, a size 39 in Italian shoe sizing is equivalent to a UK size 6 and a US size 9.

Dolce&Gabbana has been in the fragrance space since the 90s. Most notable are Light Blue, The One and Devotion which became instant classics.

Additionally, Dolce&Gabbana handbags are iconised in fashion history. Most famous are the structured Sicily Bag and the Devotion Bag featuring the Sacred Heart clasp. 

Prints make up a huge part of the Dolce identity. Maiolica, Leopard and Carretto Siciliano prints as well as polka dot are seen throughout the collections and help channel the ‘La Dolce Vita’ aesthetic while nodding to the founders’ heritage.