Stefano Gabbana insists designers can't change the history of fashion with accessories. The Italian style expert and his long-time business partner Domenico Dolce, are the men behind luxury label Dolce & Gabbana, whose fans include Amal Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and the Duchess of Cambridge.
Although the duo also creates gorgeous shoes and totes, Gabbana is adamant the key to success is the garments themselves - even if they are harder to sell. "We are fashion designers," he stated to The Times. "In the last 20 years, a lot of companies have confused luxury with accessories. This is a problem. You don't change the history of fashion with a bag, you change it with clothing. But it's harder to make money with clothing. With a dress, you have to develop in different sizes. With a bag, no."
The Duchess of Cambridge often wears Dolce & Gabbana
Another must for the pair is ensuring their designs appeal to everyone, as Gabbana notes he and Dolce want to dress women of all shapes and sizes. One of these ladies is U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, whose loyalty to Dolce & Gabbana has caused quite the stir among fans of the fashion house due to many not agreeing with the policies of her husband, President Donald Trump.
Explaining that Melania has long been a fan of his and Dolce's designs, Gabbana explained he takes pleasure in outfitting a "beautiful woman" and that by doing so he isn't automatically helping her spouse. The 54-year-old also quipped, "I can't help Trump. I am Italian."
Stefano Gabbana talks about creating the perfect garment
It doesn't matter how many well-known faces wear their garments though, as Gabbana stated that they didn't get into the business to make money or become famous; it was simply what they were passionate about when they founded their brand in 1985.
"Fashion is not business. You can make it into a business, but it doesn't start that way," he said. "The customer decides what is good."