FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Gabbana's departure from management leadership could signal either the end of an era or a strategic relaunch.
Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana announced that its co-founder, Stefano Gabbana, has stepped down as president effective January 1, 2026, as part of what the company describes as a "natural evolution" of its organizational structure and corporate governance.
In an official statement, the company clarified that the departure from leadership positions does not affect the creative role of the designer, who will continue to be active in defining the aesthetic identity of the brand. The position of president has been taken by Alfonso Dolce, brother of Domenico Dolce and currently CEO of the company.
According to international reports, Gabbana is also considering his options regarding the 40% of shares he owns, at a time when the company is in negotiations with banks to manage its existing debt. In this restructuring framework, Stefano Cantino, a former executive at Gucci, is also expected to have a role in the company's senior management.
Dolce & Gabbana, founded in 1985, is facing a slowdown in the luxury fashion market, also affected by geopolitical uncertainties, especially in the Middle East - an important market for the sector. According to Bloomberg, the company has hired Rothschild & Co as financial advisor for negotiations with creditors, while its bank debt reaches about 450 million euros after a refinancing in 2025.
The ownership structure remains unchanged, with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana each owning 40% of the company, while the rest belongs to members of the Dolce family.
Despite its international success and high-profile collaborations – such as the one with Madonna in 1993 – the brand has faced criticism and controversy in recent years, including accusations of racism and homophobia. One of the most notable episodes was the cancellation of a show in Shanghai in 2018, which significantly affected its presence in the Chinese market.
The company emphasizes that Gabbana's departure from the management does not mean a withdrawal from the brand. The official announcement states that his resignation from his functions at Dolce & Gabbana Holding Srl, Dolce & Gabbana Trademarks Srl and Dolce & Gabbana Srl is part of a reorganization process and "has no impact" on his creative activity.
Meanwhile, negotiations with financial institutions continue and the company has not provided further details on the economic situation.
This development signals a new phase for Dolce & Gabbana, where changes in direction coexist with creative continuity, while the future of the fashion house will depend on strategic decisions in management and finance.
Lini një Përgjigje