Co-founder of Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Gabbana has stepped down from his role as chairman, while continuing to contribute in a creative capacity within the company.
The brand confirmed on Friday that Gabbana officially resigned from his corporate positions on January 1, describing the move as part of what it called a “natural process of organisational and governance evolution.”
According to a corporate filing from January, the new chairman of the fashion house is Chief Executive Alfonso Dolce, the brother of co-founder Domenico Dolce.
Gabbana co-founded the label in 1985 alongside Domenico Dolce, and the duo went on to build one of the most recognisable names in global luxury fashion.
Reports indicate that Gabbana is also reviewing options regarding his estimated 40 per cent stake in the company, as the brand enters fresh negotiations with financial institutions to refinance debt reportedly valued at around €450 million ($525 million). The company, however, has stated it has no additional updates on the matter, noting that discussions with lenders are still ongoing.
The leadership change comes at a time when several luxury brands are navigating broader challenges in the global high-end fashion market, which has faced pressure in recent years.
Despite the shift in corporate structure, Dolce & Gabbana remains active on the global fashion stage. Earlier this year, the brand featured prominently at Milan Fashion Week, where appearances by founders and high-profile guests, including Madonna, drew significant attention.
Over the decades, Dolce and Gabbana have built a signature design identity rooted in Italian heritage, particularly Sicilian-inspired tailoring and bold silhouettes, worn by international celebrities such as Monica Bellucci.
The company continues to position itself as a major force in luxury fashion as it navigates leadership restructuring and evolving market conditions.
