Their controversial comments about IVF babies led Elton John to call for a boycott of their brand, but Italian fashion designers Dolce and Gabbana have insisted that they "respect all the world" in their first interview since the dispute.
Talking to CNN, Domenico Dolce has now insisted his views were private beliefs that were based on his idea of a traditional Sicilian family. The designer also insisted that he didn't judge people who chose the procedure.
"I believe in the traditional family," he said. "It is impossible to change my culture for something different. It's me…I respect all the world, all the culture."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDolce & Gabbana have spoken out about their controversial comments
Despite a public falling out with Sir Elton John, Domenico insisted that he hoped the issue could be resolved and revealed: "I love the music of Elton John."
"Every people resolve everything by talk…we start to talk, the problem is resolved. Every people [has] freedom for choosing what they want. This for me is democracy. I respect you because you choose what you want.
"I respect me because I choose what I want. This just my point of private view."
© Photo: Getty ImagesElton John has called for a boycott of the fashion label
The designer, who was in a relationship with his design partner Stefano Gabbana for 23 years before breaking up in 2005, added that they respect differences in opinion and the way others choose to live their lives.
"We love gay couple. We are gay. We love gay couple. We love gay adoption. We love everything. It's just an expression of my private point of view."
However Domenico does not think boycotting their brand is the best way to respond to their comments.
"Boycott Dolce & Gabbana for what? They don't think like you? This is correct? This is not correct. We are in 2015. This is like medieval. It's not correct."
Elton, 67, angrily criticised Dolce & Gabbana for their views on same-sex families and the use of fertility treatment in a post shared on his Instagram on Sunday.
"How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic'," he wrote. "And shame on you for wagging your judgemental little fingers at IVF – a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both gay and straight, to fulfil their dreams of having children.
"Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana."
The singer's calls for a boycott received global support with Victoria Beckham sending a heartfelt tweet to Elton – a close friend and godfather to her sons Brooklyn and Romeo – that read "Sending love to Elton David Zachary Elijah & all the beautiful IVF babies x vb."
