Veronica’s
Veronica’s View: Veronica’s 2011 Favorite Things
Every year the National Research Federation (NRF) commissions a study to find out what American shoppers expect to spend on gifts for the holiday season. This year 42% of Americans say they intend to spend less this holiday season than they did in 2010. But what they are spending is still a significant amount. This year the survey found that holiday shoppers are expected to spend an average of $704. Last year they spent an average of $715. In reality the difference is essentially negligible. But what is significant is that this year online shopping purchases are up 15%. Many online sites are offering deep discounts that are apparently too good not to click on. I’ve made a few of those purchases too.
But it’s a tough year all around for most of us and with the uncertainty about our nation’s economy and our personal economies, the word to the wise is to be wise in your spending whether it’s the holiday season or not.
My 9h Annual Veronica’s Favorite Things list offers a few creative holiday gift ideas that won’t blow the budget. It started off an affable alternative to Oprah’s Favorite Things which included an array of items that were grand and pricey. But now it’s turned into one of my most beloved offerings each year. Here are a few of my favorite things:
Marc Jacobs Icon Hinge Bracelet – I just love costume jewelry. But designer jewelry that is novel and affordable, sign me up. This lovely hinge bracelet is an attention getter. It’s fun without being fancy; it’s flirty without being garish. It’s has a casual elegance I just love. It is made of brass, has 10k yellow gold or rose-gold plating and the bracelet has the logo letters and iconic symbols overlay in enamel. It comes in black, pink and sandalwood. Available at Nordstroms retail store and online, Bloomingdales. Price: $118.00 and worth it.
Passion
Great gift ideas
Holiday finds for everyone
On the hunt for those last few stocking stuffers and gifts? We’ve got some novel ideas, fit for the fussiest of friends and family on your list
Keep things cosy
STYLE – Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your winterwear has to be.
Help your giftee get gussied up this cold season with a designer tuque and scarf. We found these warm accessories at The Place . . . For Men (2823, 14th St. S.W.). Owner Ellen Raavin has a variety of designer labels (Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and more) on sale this season.
For instance, both the Dolce and Gabbana as well as the Armani tuque and scarf sets pictured here, which regularly retail for $279, are on sale for $129 per set.
Good Karma
BLING UP HER CHRISTMAS – Got a gal on your list that loves unique accessories and bling? Consider something from the Good Charma line, a positively perfect jewelry collection for the lady who loves life.
Good Charma (silver and gold accessories) is the creation of New York-based designer Pamela Fink. Fink’s passion for Balinese culture, along with her belief in generosity and spreading positive vibes, influenced her to create this line of hip jewelry.
Madonna, Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow and Demi Moore are just some of the celebs who have been spotted sporting the brand.
Look for Good Charma (which ranges in price from $69 to $499 and up) at Mariah, Crabapple Cottage, Ginger Laurier, Jack and Elliot, and Land and Sea boutiques in Calgary.
Stocking stuffer for the metro man
BOOK – Style tips, comedic illustrations and various other encouraging tidbits for men on how they can achieve fashion equilibrium are contained in this quaint manual.
The Perfectly Dressed Gentleman, by Robert O’Byrne, illustrations by Lord Dunsby (CICO Books, $12.96), is a pocket-sized read meant to feed any fashion-loving lad’s inner sartorial spirit.
If that important man in your life adores classic clothing, loves to shop and is on a first-name basis with his tailor, this book is for him. Likewise, if your special guy could use a hand in the wardrobe department, The Perfectly Dressed Gentleman could be the answer.
Winter ready
STELLAR HOODS – Is it a scarf or is it a hood? It’s both! These reversible hood scarves can be tied a ton of different ways to keep both your neck and noggin warm.
Designer Megan Zee creates the fashionable pieces in Calgary, using materials she sources from within Canada. She says the handcrafted hoodie scarves are meant to keep you cosy and cool. We think these hoods are a great gift for the fashionable hipster in your life.
Stellar Hoods start at $48 and are available at Chapel Hats, Purr, and the Gallery boutiques in Calgary, as well as online at stellarhoods.com.
Vino with a winter touch
ICEWINE – This classic Canadian wine is sweet and best served chilled. Due in part, no doubt, to our chilly winters and short growing season, Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of icewine. Our north of 60 climate might not be the best place to harvest tropical fruit, but we can grow frozen grapes like there’s no tomorrow.
The grapes for this Mission Hill Riesling were plucked and bottled in the Okanagan Valley. The finished product combines citrus and floral notes with vibrant hints of apricot. Secure this bottle safely in someone’s stocking or break it open after Christmas dinner and share with loved ones. Look for Reserve Riesling Icewine by Mission Hill, $59.99 for a 375 mL bottle, at most liquor stores in Calgary, including Safeway Wine and Spirits, Calgary Co-op Wines and Spirits, and Sobeys Wines, Spirits, Cold Beer.
Ring the alarm
CLOCK . This vintage inspired clock ($60 from Indigo) will jazz up the bedside table and keep its owner on time come the new year.
The bedside alarm clock, perfect for the loved one who likes outofthe-ordinary decor and gadgets, is one of Indigo Books and Music chief executive Heather Reisman’s top gift picks for the holiday season. Look for the vintage clock at Indigo locations across Calgary.
Bath and beauty for him and her
SWEET SMELLS – After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season – shopping, cooking, entertaining and cleaning up – a little relaxation might be just what the doctor ordered. Gift these tree-shaped, fruity-scented foaming bath sets ($24.50 from Fruits and Passion) to the woman in your family who’s scheduled to do most of the hard work this season. She could use a nice soak in the tub!
If the hardest working elf in your clan just happens to be of the male persuasion, this shower gel trio gift set ($22 from Fruits and Passion) will help him wash the worries, and gravy stains, away. The gels are scented with notes of wood and spice.
Available at Fruits and Passion locations across Calgary.
Date
What Your “Drink” Says About You on a Date
What you order on a date can definitely send a signal, whether or not it’s one you’re conscious of. Sure, the list below is mainly full of generalizations, but there’s some truth to every stereotype…
Click here for the What Your “Drink” Says About You on a Date Slideshow.
Martini: If you’re a guy, you’re trying to impress (and it’s probably working). If you’re a girl drinking a dirty martini, you’re a hot mess: the dirtier, the messier, the hotter.
Vodka on the Rocks: Too self-conscious to actually order a martini.
White Russian: Obsessed with The Big Lebowski, and probably The Daily Show. Or, you just like to drink dessert.
Bud Light: You’re easy going, laid back, and at home at a sports bar. If you’re a girl, you know how to hang with the guys.
Stella Artois: You have no particular knowledge or affinity towards beer so you just order “Stella” cause it’s familiar.
Lillet/Campari/Aperol: You’re twee, and possibly like to throw around words like “mixology.”
Vodka Cranberry: When in doubt, you stick to what you drank in college.
White wine: You’re definitely a woman. You’re possibly a little uptight.
Prosecco: You’re often a little uptight, but tonight you’re looking to party.
Whiskey, neat: You’re hot. Regardless of gender.
Jäger: Secretly wishing you were hanging out with your buddies.
Vodka Gimlet: You’re a huge dork, but you hope sort of in a cool way?
News
News Roundup: Rihanna’s New Video, Janet Jackson in Trouble With PETA, Lady Gaga’s Newsstand Appeal Drops
We’ve come to expect that a new Rihanna video will be accompanied by spectacle and speculation, and “You Da One,” directed by Melina Matsouka, reliably follows suit. The video is an enviable fashion-fest with cameos from recent Dolce and Gabbana and Balenciaga collections. It’s also the latest pop creation to subtly employ the aesthetics of A Clockwork Orange. But does it also borrow other, uncredited ideas? A few keen observers think so: a Numero pictorial from 2008 by photographer Solve Sundsbo features the same “projected polka dots on a nude female form” concept that “You Da One” incorporates three years later. Already accused of ripping off David LaChapelle’s imagery with “S&M,” is the singer destined for another expensive court battle with a photographer?
Janet Jackson just landed the inglorious honor of being dubbed “Grinch of the Year” by PETA. Not only does she continue to wear fur, she also designed a fur collection for clothing label Blackgama. Animal rights crusader Pam Anderson is also not pleased with Miss Janet Jackson, having called her “greedy” for her involvement with the Blackgama ad campaigns.
- In other dubious milestones, GQ just named actor and 30 Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto the “worst dressed man of the year.” Our review of his Video Music Awards’ ensemble may clue you in to how we personally feel about the matter.
- Recently interviewed by The New York Times, the original British songbird of the Sixties, Marianne Faithfull, acknowledged her cult fashion status, as evidenced by her enduring popularity on style blogs, but said she doesn’t engage in it. “I can’t possibly keep up, so I don’t really bother,” she said. “It’s better that way. I would get too self-conscious, and that would be bad for me.” She mainly performs in Chanel these days, with her eternally-lit cigarette still in hand.
- Lady Gaga still sells magazines, but not like Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker do, as New York’s annual round-up of publication wins and losses reveals. While Gaga’s flamboyant covers (Vogue, May’s Harper’s Bazaar) still move units, her “stripped down” cover shoots (like her second Harper’s cover in October) failed to engage much public interest.
- Jessie J’s latest video, “Domino,” is practically screaming to be an ad for Versace’s recent collection for H&M. No one is complaining.
Crossover sensations and K-Pop superstars 2NE1 just won MTV’s Best International Band Award and invaded New York City for a special show. Now they are quickly landing on American fashion editors’ radar. Their longstanding kinship with designer Jeremy Scott, as spotlighted by MTV Style, seems only to help. They even have a shoe collaboration out through the designer’s Adidas line.
- A “Brooklyn Alumni” sweatshirt designed by Brian Woods featuring Lil’ Kim and Notorious B.I.G. has been generating plenty of online interest. Aside from some of Brooklyn’s famous musical elite, it also features Larry David and Michael Jordan.
Fragrance Shop
Fragrance Shop sees 14 per cent growth in festive trade
Perfume retailer The Fragrance Shop today posted strong sales growth over the festive period and said it plans to open more than 20 new stores this year.
The Trafford Park-based chain, which currently operates 135 outlets nationwide, defied the retail gloom with a 14.2 per cent hike in like-for-like revenues in the five weeks to Christmas Eve.
Overall sales increased by 22.9 per cent across its 127 Fragrance Shop stores and eight Perfume Point branches. As well as perfumes, the group sells aftershave, eau de toilette and splashes.
The group, which employs more than 700 staff, saw like-for-like festive growth of 13.2 per cent in its stores and 110.6 per cent for its online operations.
Among the best-sellers were Paco Rabanne 1 Million, Jimmy Choo, Gucci Guilty and fragrances by Dolce and Gabbana.
It said celebrity lines also performed strongly, including Justin Bieber and The Only Way is Essex fragrances.
The Fragrance Shop opened 14 stores in 2011 and moved to a new head office and warehouse facility last August.
Chief executive Sanjay Vadera said: “The Fragrance Shop and Perfume Point have enjoyed a good run-up to Christmas with strong sales both online and in our stores.
“Our business model of offering top branded fragrances at great value has proved very successful as more and more shoppers look for good value offers.
“Looking ahead to 2012, we expect to see further growth and more of our stores opening throughout the country.”
The Fragrance Shop and Perfume Point are part of an associated group of companies including distribution business Per-Scent and FAB Fragrances.
In its last full financial year, The Fragrance Shop saw sales rise from £55.4m to £57.2m with underlying pre-tax profits up from £6.2m to £7.5m, with earnings growth fuelled by improved margins through better stock management, cost control and promotions.
Its profits growth meant the company was able to repay all its outstanding debt, enabling it to invest surplus cash to expand the business.
Vogue
Vogue’s vast archives make online leap from paper
Bookshelves groaning under the weight of every issue of American Vogue ever published since December 17, 1892, and there have been about 2,800 of them, can now heave a sigh of relief.
Two years in the making, an online Vogue Archive is being pitched to fashion designers, photographers and stylists for whom rummaging through musty back issues for inspiration is an everyday part of the job.
“That’s about 400,000 pages. It’s everything,” said Matt Dellinger, a writer and multimedia producer who directed the digital project for Vogue’s publisher Conde Nast. “When you’re looking at this, you’re looking at the actual pages of the magazine … exactly as they appeared.”
At $1,575 a year, or the price of a Dolce and Gabbana lace and satin bustier dress at Net-a-Porter, enjoying instant access to nearly 120 years of a single magazine title doesn’t come cheap.
“If you live in a New York City apartment, and were thinking of getting a subscription to Vogue’s newly-launched archive site, how does not paying your rent for a month sound?” quipped the Fashion Bomb Daily style blog.
But in a telephone interview from New York, Dellinger said the archive’s real value lies in how every photograph, every advertisement and — so far from October 1988 — every garment has been assigned a “tag” or search label.
“Most of our work was creating an index so that you can find (a particular) ad or a photo,” he said. “That’s kind of the special sauce here” because, with most online archives, only the text is searchable, if at all.
So someone looking for, say, a pleated dress by Balenciaga from an era when pleats were all the rage — will be swept back to the September 15, 1939 issue and an otherwise hard-to-find crisp line drawing of a black number from the Spanish couturier.
Other searches reveal that over the years, Vogue has carried 12,406 references to “Chanel,” 8,970 to “Dior,” and 6,136 to “Yves Saint Laurent” unless you search for “YSL,” in which case that number goes up to 7,381.
Graphs at the foot of the website reflect the ebb and flow of a particular trend. “Corduroy,” for instance, literally goes off the charts in the 1910s, then subsides before its notorious comeback in the 1970s.
Calling up the very first Vogue (“a weekly magazine of fashion and society”) finds the first cover girl to be an anonymous New York debutante. From London, a correspondent reported: “Dogs are the fashionable fad at the moment.”
The word “supermodel” first appeared in the August 15, 1972 issue to describe the African-American model Naomi Sims. (Vogue was a weekly until 1912, then a biweekly, going monthly in 1973.)
But nothing’s perfect: a search for “we don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day” manages to miss the October 1990 feature in which Linda Evangelista first uttered the infamous phrase.
Karin Bohleke, director of Shippensburg University’s fashion collection in Pennsylvania, one of the biggest in the United States, said rummaging through back issues of fashion magazines is a key part of the creative process.
“You get the context. You see the evolution and development, you see parallels, things like that,” Bohleke, author of a study of 19th century American and French women’s magazines, told AFP.
Vogue’s archrival Harper’s Bazaar did not respond when asked if it might put its own back issues online, and there are no plans for similar digital archives of the British, French, Italian, Japanese or other editions of Vogue.
But a spokeswoman for Conde Nast in London said in an email that the publisher was monitoring the American Vogue project “with interest.”
Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2012
Dolce and Gabbana converted their kitchen table into their workshop this season. All of the daywear pieces had some sort of veggie printed on them or made into resin tomatoes and other vegetables. These pieces were then made into earrings, necklaces, and attached to the hardware on handbags.
There has never been a more literal translation of an inspiration than what was seen on the spring 2012 Dolce and Gabbana runway. Nearly every garment had some reference to the Italian market from “Mambo Italiano” blaring on the speakers to the fettuccine earrings. Every dress was more edible and beautiful than the last.
The latter half of the show was filled with intricate lace, shining gemstones, and remarkably bejeweled swimwear. The black and white satin evening wear was crafted in an immaculate fashion that only Dolce and Gabbana can bring to their collections. Sharp silhouettes were tight to the waist yet had a kicked out hemline that was a mixture of below , and above the knee.
Versace had studs but Dolce and Gabbana upped it a few notches and had a potpourri of jewels so tightly placed together and so ornate that they may as well have been Faberge eggs.
In short, the collection was cute, wearable, and inspiring. With the cancellation of the D&G line there was an instant reflection in their ready-to-wear collection as Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are clearly trying to graduate their clients from their diffusion line. This change was evident by the fun exaggerated prints and very wearable fashion. Who knows, we may even notice a drop in the price point on their ready-to-wear line to lubricate the transition?
Dolce Gabbana Perfume
Find a Perfume for Everyone in the Dolce Gabbana Perfume
Collection
There are a several perfume brands available in the market. Today with so much of variety available one needs to be extremely careful while selecting perfumes. Decision to buy a fragrance mainly depends upon the fragrance and the price one needs to pay. If the two are taken care of then it is very much easy to settle in for the selected brand. Perfumes should not only match the occasion but also match the personality. Secondly it should not be too overpowering.
Dolce and Gabbana is one such perfume that many would prefer because of its unique fragrance. Here is a brief history one would like to have before settling for this particular fragrance. Two Italians, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana got together in 1982 to form what became an empire today, known as Dolce & Gabbana. Both men have studied fashion and they have launched the perfume in such away that fashion and perfumes go hand in hand. Now it is a common practice with the fashion houses to launch up their own perfumes, ones they have made a mark in fashion business.
With the increasing popularity of the empire, they also ventured into accessories such as sunglasses, shoes, handbags, fashion jewelry and perfumes as mentioned earlier.
Choosing a Dolce –Gabbana Perfume:
There are a vast variety of perfumes available under this brand. And the fragrance is so popular that it is available for men and women. Here is a brief in the history of women fragrances that one might like to know before settling in for this particular brand.
Dolce Gabbana”by is created in 1998, this feminine fragrance possesses a blend of vanilla sandalwood tiger lily coffee and cedar wood. The top fragrance notes are clementine bergamot and tiger lily. The middle notes are vanilla orchid and bourbon and the base of the fragrance is sandalwood cedar wood and musk.
‘D & G Feminine’
Launched in 1999, D&G Feminine has luxurious, gentle and floral fragrance. It possesses a perfect blend of floral top notes of water lily, tangerine and white cyclamen blended with middle notes of lily, mimosa and heliotrope. Lowest notes consist of sandalwood and vanilla.
Dolce & Gabbana’This particular fragrance of Dolce and Gabbana has been so popular that it is available for both men and women. For men it is available in the form of Toilette Spray and shower gel, and for women it is available in the form of 3-piece gift set .The gift set consists of EDT Perfume, Body milk lotion and Shower gel.
Dolce & Gabbana for men were launched in 1994 and have a perfect masculine fragrance that today men prefer. Dolce & Gabbana Is Classified As A Refined, Spicy, and Lavender, Amber Fragrance.
Dolce and Gabbana Sicily perfume:
Sicily by Dolce&Gabbana, 3.4 oz Eau De Perfume Spray for women The sensuality and heat of the Mediterranean vibrate in unison with notes of Sicilian bergamots, honeysuckle, jasmine, black pearl rose, hibiscus and musk. The strong, intensive and sensual fragrance also has traces of vanilla, marigold and tangerine.
D& G For men Eau De perfume Spray
This fragrance is described as a refined, spicy, lavender and amber fragrance. The scent opens with a stimulating and dynamic freshness, with the citrus notes of bergamot, tangerine, orange and lemon and the woody endnote hinges on an accord of sandalwood, cedar wood and tobacco musk.
Summary:
Thus there is a wide variety offered by D&G for both men and women. The only thing is to find the correct one for oneself. So if one has a great knowledge of fashion and want a unique fragrance then consider buying D&G perfume.
Chronology
- Key Dates:
- 1982: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana open their own studio in Milan.
- 1985: Dolce & Gabbana is selected as one of three “New Talents” for the Milano Collezioni.
- 1986: Dolce & Gabbana debuts its first full collection of women’s clothing.
- 1991: The company launches a scarves collection, the first product to be made under license.
- 1995: D&G is launched in the United States.
- 2000: The company brings production of scarves, ties, and other accessories in-house.
- 2003: The company begins buying out franchise store owners, predicting sales of more than EUR 1 billion by 2005.
Fashion Stars
Fashion Stars in the 1990s
In 1989, Dolce and Gabbana expanded their collection, adding beachwear and the Intimo line of lingerie. In January 1990, the company expanded again, launching its first Men’s collection. At the same time, Dolce & Gabbana signed on as the design team behind the Complice clothing line–previously designed by Versace and Claude Montana–marketed by Milan’s Genny Group. In November 1990, the company backed up its growing U.S. sales with the opening of its first showroom in that country, in New York City. By then, the group’s sales had topped the equivalent of $20 million.
Dolce and Gabbana continued adding to their collection of designs with the launch, in 1991, of a series of scarves, produced under license, followed by a second licensed product, ties, in early 1992. These products were followed by other licensed products, including the first Dolce & Gabbana-branded perfume, produced and distributed by Euroitalia, and a men’s beachwear collection, also launched in 1992. In 1993, the company added men’s underwear, again manufactured under license. Footwear also became part of the Dolce & Gabbana portfolio during this period.
Dolce & Gabbana’s growth maintained its rapid pace throughout the 1990s. The brand achieved new fame when Dolce & Gabbana were chosen to create costumes for Madonna’s 1993 world tour. The immediate interest in the group’s clothing following that tour led it to shift into high gear: in 1994, Dolce & Gabbana created a secondary line, D&G Dolce & Gabbana, designed for a broader, and younger, market. That line was launched in partnership with Iteria, which acquired a six-year production license.
The success of the new line quickly boosted the company’s sales. From approximately $50 million at the beginning of 1994, Dolce & Gabbana’s revenues jumped to nearly $125 million by the end of that year. First launched in Europe, the D&G collection was introduced to the U.S. market in 1996.
Dolce & Gabbana also began adding new large-scale “signature” boutiques, featuring the group’s full collection. By 1997, the company operated 13 boutiques, in addition to a growing number of franchised locations. Adding to the company’s sales was the 1995 launch of its D&G Jeans line. In that year, in addition, the group signed a license agreement with Italy’s Marcolin to produce Dolce & Gabbana-branded eyewear.
History Dolce Gabbana
History of Dolce & Gabbana SpA
Dolce & Gabbana SpA cuts an independent swath in the international fashion scene. The Milan, Italy-based company is one of that country’s most well-known fashion houses, boasting such high-profile clients as Madonna, Isabella Rossellini, Monica Bellucci, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Kylie Minogue, and many others. Led by founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, who serve as company CEO and president, respectively, the company produces designs for women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, bathing suits, lingerie, and accessories. The company also designs a children’s clothing line, and develops eyeglasses and fragrances produced under license. Products are grouped under two core brands: Dolce & Gabbana, and D&G Dolce & Gabbana. The company also further divides its designs under the “basic” White line and the more adventurous “Black” line. Dolce & Gabbana has been moving toward greater vertical integration in the 2000s, buying control of much of its own production, and bringing in-house most of its formerly licensed products. The company also has been buying up many of its previously franchised retail sites, and at the end of 2003 directly controlled some 60 stores. While remaining committed to its privately held status, in 2003 Dolce & Gabbana took the unusual step of publishing its first annual report–in part to highlight its impressive growth. By that year, the company’s sales had risen to EUR 475 million ($525 million).
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
Company Perspectives:
It’s not easy to circumscribe the Dolce & Gabbana universe within a definition. A world made up of sensations, traditions, culture and a Mediterranean nature.
Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have made a trademark of their surnames which is known throughout the world, easily recognizable thanks to its glamour and great versatility. Two Designers who have known how to make a flag out of their Italian character.
Two Designers who have known how to interpret and impose their sensual and unique style on a world-wide basis. Two young Designers who address themselves to young people and who draw inspiration from them. Two Designers adored by the Hollywood stars who have made the duo their favorites: two Designers who dress all of the rock stars of the moment and who have elected them as their unquestionable leaders. The Designers of Madonna, Monica Bellucci, Isabella Rossellini, Kylie Minogue and Angelina Jolie, amongst others.
Dolce and Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana are possibly the most powerful and influential designer couple of our time. They are very popular amongst celebrities such as Victoria and David Beckham, Madonna and Sophia Loren,Monica Bellucci, Ayumi Hamasaki, Isabella Rossellini and Kylie Minogue and many others. Dolce & Gabbana tends to use more luxury materials and their designer clothing is slightly more expensive Dolce& Gabbana line does not change as much as D&G clothing, and is influenced by sartorial designs, they describe it as “timeless’’.
Stefano Gabbana was born in November 14, 1962, in Venice, Italy. He had no fashion education; he had studied graphic design and became a advertising art director after graduation. Dolce is the son of a Sicilian tailor, he was born in September 13, 1958, in Polizzi Generosa a small village near Palermo, Sicily, and he studied fashion design in Sicily and worked in his family’s small clothing factory. They met in 1980 each other when they were working as assistants in an atelier in Milan. Their first collection won international recognition was in 1985, and their first shop they launched in 1989 in Japan. In 1990 they presented their first men’s collection and opened their first women’s boutique in Milan. That same year, the duo began designing the Complice line for the Genny Group in Milan (Complice had been designed by Versace from 1975 to 1981, and then by Claude Montana until 1987.) Scarves, ties, beachwear, perfume, and accessories were added in 1992.
The company has just published a book called “10 Years of Dolce & Gabbana”, illustrating the history of the designer duo through pictures of top fashion photographers. The duo also recently recorded a CD with dancefloor music under the D&G label. Dolce & Gabbana; Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s creative partnership started out with them as a couple, but in 2005 they separated and carried on the business as friends. They have successfully channelled the power of the front row, the ad campaign and celebrity friends to their advantage with friends like Naomi Campbell and Kylie Minogue. In February 2010, it was announced that American singer Madonna would design a collection of sunglasses set to be released in May of that year. They also have a set of fragrances, for men and women.
Address Dolce Gabbana
Address
Headquarters
Via Santa Cecilia, 7
20122 Milan, Italy
Tel.: (+02) 79-50-15 or 79-50-16
FAX.: (+02) 78-44-36
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Selected Boutiques
Milan Boutiques
* Via Sant’Andrea, 10/A
20121 Milan, Italy
Tel.: (+02) 799988
(BASIC)
* Via della Spiga, 2
20121 Milan, Italy
Tel.: (+02) 76001155
New York Boutique
532 Broadway
4th Floor
New York, NY 10012, U.S.A.
Paris Boutique
147, boulevard St.-Germain (Kashiyama)
75006, Paris, France
London Boutique
175 Sloane Streeet
London SW1, Great Britain
Tel.: (+0171) 235 0335
Dolce Gabbana
Total ready-to-wear sales in 1994 were about $265 million, including retailing contributions. The speed the company’s growth is amazing. The sales of licenced lines alone rose mostly triggered by the success of the D&G line from 47 billion Lira ($30 million) in 1993 to 94.3 billion Lira in 1994 ($58 million), and to 155 billion Lira ($97 million) in 1995/1996. The top line sold worth of 120 billion Lira ($75 million) in 1995/1996. Total sales were at 430 billion Lira ($269 million) in 1995/1996.
In 1994, the Italian market accounted for 62% of total sales. In 1995/1996 export overtook the local business in relation to total sales, leaving it at 30%. A shift to higher sales in the US is planned for the future, where the D&G-label is believed to have a high potential. A major deal with the Japanese retailer Misaki Shoji, Osaka just secured potential growth in Nippon.
Distribution
By the end of 1995, the company had opened 19 franchise stores for the Dolce & Gabbana line. By 1997, the company wants to have 30 outlets for D&G. The company plans to expand the existing 350 points of sale constantly and to increase franchise arrangements in retailing. The Japan-deal with Misaki Shoji promises to open 30 new shops for for the top and diffusion lines in the next two years.
D&G licenses its brand names (Dolce & Gabbana, D&G, and &) for fragrances, eyewear, and footwear. It has boutiques around the world, including a handful of company-owned locations. Dolce & Gabbana brought many of its production licenses in-house in 2000 and introduced a children’s line in 2001.
Production/ Licenses
Dolce Saverio, Legnano, Italy, the company of Domenico Dolce’s father produces the top lines. Modella Tricots, Milan is responsible for knitwear. D&G is produced in license by Ittiere in Isernia, Southern Italy. Eye-wear by Dolce & Gabbana is licensed to the eye-wear manufacturer Marcolin. Sales with eye-wear in Italy alone were in 1996 at 17 billion Lira ($11 million). All production is contracted to partner companies in Italy, but the number of licenses is relatively low: 10.
Stefano Gabbana
Stefano Gabbana Fashion Designer
Fashion Designer Domenico Dolce was born September 13, 1958, in Polizzi Generosa a small village near Palermo, Sicily, and Stefano Gabbana was born November 14, 1962, in Venice, Italy (our picture shows Gabbana and Dolce). Dolce studied fashion design in Sicily and worked in his family’s small clothing factory. But Gabbana had no fashion education; he had studied graphic design.
Dolce and Gabbana met in 1980 when they were working as assistants in an atelier in Milan. When they started business together in 1982, they continued to do free-lance designing for others.
Their first collection in 1986 won international acclaim, and their first boutique opened in 1989 in Japan. In 1990 they presented their first men’s collection and opened their first women’s boutique in Milan. That same year, the duo began designing the Complice line for the Genny Group in Milan (Complice had been designed by Versace from 1975 to 1981, and then by Claude Montana until 1987.) Scarves, ties, beachwear, perfume, and accessories were added in 1992.
The company has just published a book called “10 Years of Dolce & Gabbana”, illustrating the history of the designer duo through pictures of top fashion photographers. The duo also recently recorded a CD with dancefloor music under the D&G label.