Stefano Gabbana left his role as chair of Dolce & Gabbana at the start of this year, according to the fashion house he co-founded with Domenico Dolce in 1985.
The Italian luxury brand said Gabbana had tendered his resignation, effective as of 1 January. It described the move as being “part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance”.
The announcement comes as Gabbana is said to be considering options for his 40% stake in the fashion house ahead of negotiations with bank lenders.
Dolce & Gabbana, one of Italy’s best-known luxury labels, was founded by the pair more than four decades ago and has remained closely associated with their names and creative partnership. The latest development marks a notable change in the company’s leadership structure, even as the business continues to operate under the brand identity established by its founders.
No further details were provided in the source on the circumstances of the resignation or on the possible outcomes of any discussions involving Gabbana’s shareholding. The company’s statement, however, indicates that the departure was framed internally as part of an ongoing evolution in governance rather than as a sudden break.
Gabbana’s reported stake of 40% places him in a significant position within the fashion house as it heads into negotiations with lenders. The source does not say when those negotiations will begin or what their expected terms may be.
The move adds another layer of interest to the future of Dolce & Gabbana, a company long defined by the relationship between its two founders. With Stefano Gabbana no longer serving as chair from 1 January, attention is likely to remain on how the brand’s ownership and management structure develops in the months ahead.
