Fashionpedia

Stefano Gabbana

"Many designers take themselves too seriously -- 'I am a genius, the essence of fashion.'"

The other half of the renowned label Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Gabbana, was born in Venice, Italy in 1962. Around the age of fifteen Gabbana started to recognize fashion, but only as it pertained to his own look since graphic design was his main focus. After high school, he attended a fashion college and studied graphic design with the intention of becoming an advertising art director. After graduation he worked in advertising but realized it was not a career for him. With his interest in fashion never faltering he began working at an atelier in Milan, Italy in 1980. At this atelier he received his fashion training and met future partner, Domenico Dolce. The two men formed an instant bond and over the next two years worked as freelance designers together. Gabbana along with Dolce continued to design and produce fashion shows to make a name for themselves and by 1985 they had done just that. The partners were invited by the Milano Collezioni to present at their ‘New Talent’s’ fashion show; thus the birth of the label, Dolce & Gabbana. The womenswear designs were universally praised and the men were soon put in charge of designing the Complice line, while continuing work on their own label. This was just the beginning for the partners. For the past two decades Gabbana and Dolce have expanded their label to include menswear, childrenswear underwear, scarves, lingerie, beachwear, ties, and accessories; not to mention the numerous stores they operate all over the world.
Life Facts:
Stefano Gabbana credits Domenico Dolce for teaching him the most about fashion. Some celebrities who consistently wear Gabbana’s designs are Brian Ferry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Brad Pitt, Salma Hayek, Bruce Willis, Tom Cruise, and Angelina Jolie.