Stefano Gabbana
Co-founder and designer of Dolce & Gabbana
Stefano Gabbana is an Italian designer who co-founded Dolce & Gabbana with Domenico Dolce in 1985 and continues to work on its creative activities. Born in Milan in 1962, he stepped down as chairman of the group's main companies with effect from 1 January 2026, a move the company said had no impact on his creative work.
| Role | Co-founder and designer, Dolce & Gabbana |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1985, Milan |
| Chairman | Until 31 December 2025 |
| Reported shareholding | 40 per cent |
| Born | 1962, Milan |
| Nationality | Italian |
Who is Stefano Gabbana?
Stefano Gabbana was born in Milan in 1962. With Domenico Dolce he built Dolce & Gabbana into one of the most recognisable Italian luxury names, known for Sicilian references, sensual tailoring and celebrity-driven glamour.
Career
Gabbana and Dolce founded their company in 1985, with Milan as its base. The house grew through womenswear, menswear, accessories and fragrance, and in 2012 launched Alta Moda, its couture line presented through events in Italian cities.
- 1985: co-founds Dolce & Gabbana
- 2012: launch of the Alta Moda couture line
- 2022: the beauty business is brought in-house
- 1 January 2026: resigns as chairman of Dolce & Gabbana Holding, Dolce & Gabbana Trademarks and Dolce & Gabbana Srl
In April 2026 it was reported that Gabbana had resigned, with effect from 1 January 2026, as chairman of the group's holding company and its main operating and trademark companies. Alfonso Dolce, Domenico's brother and the company's chief executive, took over the chair. The company described the change as a natural process of organisational and governance evolution and said it had no impact on the creative activities Gabbana carries out for the group. He was reported to hold 40 per cent of the company.
Influence on the fashion business
Dolce & Gabbana is one of the few large luxury houses still controlled by its founders. Its business relies on a broad product range and on beauty, which was brought in-house in 2022 and became a major contributor to revenue. The change in governance came as the company was reported to be negotiating the refinancing of around 450 million euros of debt with banks.
Stefano Gabbana and technology
Under the founders, Dolce & Gabbana was an early mover in digital collectibles. In September 2021 it worked with the platform UNXD on Collezione Genesi, a collection of NFTs that sold for about 5.7 million US dollars and is regarded as one of the first NFT collections by a major fashion house.
Why it matters
Gabbana's step back from corporate roles while continuing as a designer illustrates the separation of creative and governance functions in founder-led companies. The house's future ownership and financing are closely watched as a test for independent Italian luxury.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Stefano Gabbana?
Stefano Gabbana is an Italian designer, born in Milan in 1962, who co-founded Dolce & Gabbana with Domenico Dolce in 1985. He continues to work on the brand's creative activities.
Did Stefano Gabbana leave Dolce & Gabbana?
No. He resigned as chairman of the group's main companies with effect from 1 January 2026, and Alfonso Dolce took over the chair. The company said the change had no impact on his creative work for the group.