Introduction to Dolce & Gabbana's Design & Partnership (02:14)

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Sex, celebrity, and sacrilege compose the essence of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's designs. The Italian fashion figureheads are complimentary partners who bring distinct strengths to the equation.

Domenico Dolce's Youth (01:50)

Domenico Dolce was born in 1958 in Sicily, where he joined his father's tailoring business. He recalls his earliest experiences with sewing and sketching. He dreamed of a career in design, influenced by Armani and Versace.

Stefano Gabbana's Youth (01:09)

Stefano Gabbana, born in 1962, grew up in Milan as a voracious consumer of pop culture. He dreamed of becoming an actor, not a designer.

Dolce & Gabbana's Fashion World Ascension (01:43)

Dolce and Gabbana launched their own playful line in the mid-1980s and designed for the Complice line in the 1990s. They interrupted the Italian designer trifecta by introducing and developing their own fashion vocabulary.

D&G Label (01:56)

In 1994, Dolce and Gabbana launched their second collection, D&G, to indulge their "club constituency." They used kitschy imagery, unusual textiles, and the D&G logo to create a unique aesthetic, which earned a cult following.

Denying & Reclaiming Sicilian Influence (03:54)

Though Dolce once rejected his southern Italian heritage in favor of Milanese culture, Gabbana's embrace of Sicilian style led Dolce to embrace his roots. Dolce & Gabbana's Sicilian influence is seen as both provocative and authentic.

Dolce & Gabbana's Individual Personalities & Design Personality (02:09)

Dolce & Gabbana has been criticized for its occasional vulgarity, but it also espouses a sense of humor, curiosity, and appetite for life. Gabbana admits he's kitschy, not chic. Gabbana is impulsive and closed off, Dolce is thoughtful and open.

Mischief & Sexuality (01:50)

Sex has been Dolce & Gabbana's calling card from the beginning. The line embraces Mediterranean-influenced, playful, empowering sexuality.

Androgyny & Iconoclasm (01:55)

Dolce & Gabbana plays with androgyny and varying definitions of femininity. The Dolce & Gabbana woman's suit has become a gender-bending benchmark in a country where gender roles are set in stone.

Sex & Religion in Dolce & Gabbana Designs (03:51)

Dolce and Gabbana differentiate between "sexy" and "erotic." Their marriage of sensuality and spirituality is paradoxical. Though they take Catholicism seriously, they toy with Catholic iconography in their clothes.

Dolce & Gabbana's Personal Relationship (01:31)

Dolce and Gabbana are a prominent, openly gay couple, which earns them scrutiny in many parts of Italy. Their personal relationship provides a foundation for their professional one.

Design Process & Working Relationship (02:53)

Dolce and Gabbana describe their design process, which begins with a conversation and note-taking. Dialogue is essential to their process, even when they argue. Each describes the other as indispensable.

Dolce & Gabbana Describing Themselves & One Another (02:47)

Dolce describes how each thing he designs is precious to him. Gabbana is less personally attached to the clothing. Gabbana describes his partner as a genius, while Dolce describes Gabbbana as extremely intuitive.

Loving & Being Loved by Women (02:07)

Dolce & Gabbana's image of femininity is rooted in 1940s Italian films that celebrated lower class women with a lust for life. Dolce and Gabbana are known for being grateful and loyal to their models.

Madonna, the Muse (02:34)

Madonna is a devoted fan of Dolce & Gabbana and has become the poster girl for the clothes. Dolce and Gabbana love seeing their clothes on someone they admire.

Dolce & Gabbana in the Popular Music World (02:02)

Mary J. Blige helped popularize Dolce & Gabbana in the hip hop community. Dolce & Gabbana was one of the first lines to embrace the "ghetto fabulous" aesthetic, intuiting the potential for their style in the music world. 'N Sync wore Dolce & Gabbana on their 2001 tour.

International Inspiration (02:42)

Dolce and Gabbana travel to give their clothes a street sensibility and exoticism. Gabbana loves English style and eccentricity. Dolce gravitates to New York City's quick pace and energetic people. He absorbs his surroundings to feed his creativity.

Hollywood Appeal (02:17)

Dolce & Gabbana is a favorite on Hollywood red carpets. Director James Cameron hosted a private fashion show on his tennis court. Dolce & Gabbana's feeling of excess appeals to celebrities who want to be noticed.

Philosophy on Money-Driven Fashion (02:06)

Despite the exhibitionist nature of their clothing, Dolce and Gabbana are averse to certain aspects of celebrity fashion culture. They reject money as a first priority.

Reflections on Career & Passion (02:53)

Dolce and Gabbana are described as grounded and deeply involved with their collections. Gabbana feels grateful for his work and passion, though he maintains that fashion isn't real life. Dolce affirms that fashion is both intimate and communicative.

Credits: Dolce & Gabbana: Masters of Style (00:60)

Credits: Dolce & Gabbana: Masters of Style