The History of Dolce & Gabanna
Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana comprise the famous team known as Dolce & Gabbana. Their motto is that they make "stars look like stars"--and they have been the choice designer for celebrities such as Demi Moore, Isabella Rossellini and Nicole Kidman. They have also created memorable costumes for artists such as Madonna and Whitney Houston. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Beginning
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Dolce and Gabanna (aka D&G) were both working as assistant designers to an atelier in Milan, but they wanted to open their own studio. Their dream came to fruition in 1982. The styles they created were Bohemian and Sicilian-inspired, and often very sensual. Deep, rich colors and animal prints predominated.
Their Big Break
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In 1985, they were offered a chance by the organizers of the Milano Collezioni to take part in a fashion show intended to bring fresh talent to the public eye. The show was a success, and only a year later they were able to open their own fashion show, launching a line of women's "ready to wear" clothing.
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Clothing Trends
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D & G did not want to create clothing for models only--they wanted clothing that would fit real women and different body types. They aimed to make fashion fun instead of rigid, and created the idea of "innerwear as outerwear--corsets, bustiers and fishnet stockings" were popular trademarks.
The Late '80s
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By 1987, their business had expanded so dramatically that they had to open a new showroom. Their agreement with the Onward Kashiyama Group in 1988 allowed them to distribute their designs in Japan, which previously had been an unexplored fashion market. In 1989, they created a line of lingerie and beachwear fashions.
The '90s
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In 1990, D & G came out with a new line of clothing for men. Agreements they signed with other companies allowed them to open boutiques in places such as Milan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul. They introduced their first award-winning perfume in 1992, and by 1994 were also designing for children.
The Present Day
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In 2008, Light Blue Pour Homme, their latest men's fragrance, won awards from the Acedemia del Profumo and the Fifi Awards. Their two newest lines include Dolce & Gabanna Basic, featuring more traditional designs, and the youth-oriented D &G. Dolce and Gabanna Jeans are considered a must-have among fashionistas.
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