Dolce&Gabbana celebrates the Italian style

«Home provides refuge, but this is the first refuge», Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana opened the doors of their private space at the Milan’s headquarters on viale Piave, «a facility built with passion and dedication», they explained to MFL-Magazine For Living. A place that has become a true home for them rather than simply a place for fashion when they return «whenever they have a few spare moments». Meanwhile, Dolce&Gabbana Casa, the luxury brand’s home line created in partnership with Luxury living group, was launched in 2020. It is not merely a sub-division of the brand, but rather «an extension of our lifestyle» and a long-term project. «The place where you live is a part of you», they explained in this interview, which emphasized the importance of promoting the Made in Italy in luxury furniture, highlighting the highest levels of craftsmanship while embracing innovation and contemporary design. «Our goal is to showcase and celebrate Italy», they stated.

What does the term “home” mean to you?

Domenico Dolce. As an Italian, home is a safe haven, a space where one can feel comfortable. Accordingly, it requires love, care, and pampering. Our initial rental property was a studio flat located in the district of piazza Cinque Giornate, which, in my opinion, was one of the most gorgeous houses we have ever lived in. In one room, we had a fully functional kitchen, living area, and bedroom that was maintained with great care.

Stefano Gabbana. The house is part of you. We share similar tastes, but differ in our display style. Domenico is precise, I am more bohemian. To me, the most important room is the kitchen. I come from a humble background and spent a lot of time in the kitchen from a young age. It was a place for eating, playing, studying, and conversing with my parents.

Why are fashion companies referred to as fashion houses?

S.G. Our current location, the headquarters of the Maison on Viale Piave in Milan, feels like a second home, if not the first. We arrive in the morning and leave in the evening, but this place acts as a refuge.

D.D. I feel safe and secure here. This building was created with immense devotion and care. It was constructed from scratch after the Piave Residence, which had been abandoned and put up for sale in the 1980s. We purchased it, dismantled the entire structure, and then reconstructed everything entirely from the ground up. A great deal of sacrifice went into it.

What does the Dolce&Gabbana Casa project mean to you?

S.G. The project expands on our lifestyle and began over 20 years ago when we opened a small home store on Via della Spiga. We sold Caltagirone ceramics, leopard and zebra placemats, plaids, and fur pillows that ladies used as stoles. Our aim was to create a somewhat bohemian house atmosphere.

D.D. However, it turned out to be a failure. Initially, Caltagirone ceramics were deemed inexpensive. However, local companies employed savvy tactics and began selling the products online following the emergence of the Internet. As a result, we realized our services were no longer required. Nevertheless, we always had this idea of creating a lifestyle…

S.G. As soon as Covid-19 began, the LLG proposed collaborating on a home collection. Although we were in the process of finalizing a contract with another brand, we saw the benefits of joining forces and agreed to the proposal.

What about the Gen D project instead?

D.D. When we began developing the house, we applied our fashion philosophy of collaborating with new talent to this area. Our aim was to comprehend the perspective of young international designers on our furniture proposal. Hence, we conducted a scouting activity and entrusted the artistic direction to curator Federica Sala to maintain neutrality. It was a challenging project, and at first, the youth were apprehensive. However, it ultimately proved to be a source of great satisfaction.

S.G. Next year, we anticipate having even more talented members. Rather than selling the pieces, we opted to retain them, with the goal of weaving them into a narrative, similar to fashion.

What is the importance of young people reinterpreting your codes?

D.D. Italian craftsmanship requires support and trust, sometimes getting debased for various reasons. Our goal is to connect the younger generation with Italian craftsmanship by promoting a culture of know-how. By introducing young people to an Italian creed, we hope to revive its importance.

S.G. While working with tailors and embroiderers is commonplace in fashion, the furniture industry requires a distinct expertise. Unfortunately, this knowledge is frequently overlooked and undervalued in favor of lower costs.

Who is the customer for Dolce&Gabbana Casa?

D.D. There is a particular connection with the haute couture customer, but currently, we are concentrating on a series of residences. We are not enthusiastic about building designer palaces or selling specific furniture. Instead, we like the concept of creating new buildings with a comprehensive lifestyle where you can breathe and live in the Italian style.

S.G. From cooking to books… Today, the concept of «residence» seems to have been lost. Last July in Puglia, the experience was delightful, even to the point that the Mayor wrote us a letter. According to the residents, particularly the new generation of Alberobello, they had never witnessed their town in such a way before.

It is a positive message…

S.G. We aim to enhance the beauty of our country and show off its authenticity, emphasizing the Italian territory.

D.D. All we have done is strive for authenticity and showcase it, with an emphasis on the Italian territory.

If you were tasked with promoting the Made in Italy brand, would you be willing to take on the responsibility?

S.G. Without a doubt (laughs, ed.). My sole focus is on helping Italy reclaim its position as the most beautiful country in the world. We are fortunate to live in a land blessed with abundant resources, endless possibilities, and enviable admiration. In addition to fulfilling my professional duties, I would offer my services for free.

D.D. I would decline the task. However, we have been representing Italy for many years through our work, particularly in the realm of high fashion.

You should really maintain Italy’s image…

S.G. I offer to help immediately.

D.D. Do we have to get married to express our love? Love is immeasurable and constantly renewed, «giorno per giorno» (day by day), as Domenico Modugno sang. We are tailors, as everyone knows. I think there is no need to demonstrate our love for our country and handmade items. It is already evident. (All rights reserved)