Co-founder exits board roles but retains creative duties as the luxury fashion house navigates refinancing pressures and leadership changes
Stefano Gabbana, co-founder of Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, stepped down as chairman in January, a development that had not been publicly disclosed until now.
According to a corporate filing, Stefano Gabbana, 63, informed the company in December of his decision to relinquish the chairmanship with effect from 1 January 2026. The role has since been assumed by Alfonso Dolce, brother of co-founder Domenico Dolce and the company’s current chief executive.
“As part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance, the Dolce & Gabbana Group confirms that Stefano Gabbana has tendered his resignation from his positions within Dolce & Gabbana Holding Srl, Dolce & Gabbana Trademarks Srl, and Dolce & Gabbana Srl,” the company said, confirming the development.
The company clarified that the move does not affect his creative responsibilities. “These resignations have no impact whatsoever on the creative activities carried out by Stefano Gabbana on behalf of the group,” it added. Gabbana and Domenico Dolce will continue to jointly oversee the brand’s creative direction.
The boardroom change, first reported by Bloomberg, comes at a time when the company is facing financial pressures. Its lenders are seeking a capital infusion of up to EUR 150 million as part of a broader refinancing plan linked to EUR 450 million (about USD 525.7 million) in debt. As part of its fundraising efforts, the company is reportedly considering the sale of real estate assets and renewal of licensing agreements. Bloomberg also noted that Gabbana is evaluating options regarding his roughly 40 per cent stake ahead of discussions with lenders.
Gabbana and Domenico Dolce founded the label in 1985, building it from a small Milan atelier into one of the most recognisable names in global luxury fashion.
The development comes amid wider churn in the luxury sector. Recently, Dario Vitale exited Versace as creative director after presenting just one collection, ending a tenure of less than eight months following the brand’s acquisition by the Prada Group.
