For nearly 40 years, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have sewn Italy into their clothes. Since launching their eponymous label in Milan in 1985, the duo has transformed it into a global emblem of Italian glamour—one built on the warmth of a Sicilian Sunday lunch rather than the cold flicker of a passing trend. 

Such a distinct signature was forged through the creative collision of Dolce and Gabbana; Dolce was raised in his family’s Sicilian atelier, immersed in old-world tailoring, while Gabbana came from the fast-paced world of Milanese graphic design. By blending Southern tradition with Northern polish, they have consistently looked to the past—drawing on family rituals, time-honored artisanship, and even Italian cinema to turn personal heritage into a high-fashion signature that stands apart from the industry’s obsession with the “next big thing.”

Their latest project, Dal Cuore alle Mani, turns the brand’s universe into a traveling physical experience. A sprawling retrospective of over 300 archival and contemporary pieces, the show is a chameleon—evolving as it moves from Milan to Paris, Rome, and now Miami to spotlight the local artisans and stories of each host city. It is a literal map of Dolce&Gabbana’s creative journey, tracing the path from the first spark of inspiration to the final stitch: “from the heart to the hands.”

Following the debut of Dal Cuore alle Mani in Miami earlier this year, Italy Segreta spoke to the designers to reflect on craft, continuity, and why Italy will always be their compass.

Laura Kettlewell: Your aesthetic is instantly recognizable for its sensuality and storytelling. What’s at the heart of the Dolce&Gabbana identity today?

Domenico Dolce: When someone sees one of our dresses, fragrances, or even lipsticks, we want them to instantly say: “This is Dolce&Gabbana.” Our style is built on contrasts: masculine and feminine, sensuality and austerity, intricate fabrics and very simple ones, Sicilian black and color. Italianness is at the very heart of our style. Every day, Italy teaches us that simplicity can be powerful and that true style comes from life itself.

LK: The silver screen has also become a cornerstone of your visual language.

DD: Italian cinema, and Neorealism in particular, has influenced us profoundly. We’re fascinated by its ability to capture real life with honesty and emotion. Neorealism strips away all artifice and focuses on true stories and raw beauty, which aligns with our own vision.

LK: Sicilian heritage, too, is a huge part of your creative DNA. Domenico, are there specific Sicilian traditions you still cherish, and how do they shape your work?

DD: Sicily is an essential part of my life: it’s where it all began and what everything comes back to. I was born in Polizzi Generosa, in the province of Palermo, and although I left for fashion at the age of 20, I’ve never broken my connection with the region. Its traditions, culture, and soul live on in our creations. In every one of our garments, I can see the fabrics from my father’s workshop, the clothes that women wear in processions, the colors of village festivals, the scent of orange blossoms, Sunday lunches…

LK: And is there a place in Sicily where you always feel inspired, no matter how many times you return?

DD: There are places that always inspire us: Palermo with its rich layers, the mosaics of Monreale, the enchantment of Taormina, the majesty of the Valley of the Temples, and small inland villages like Polizzi Generosa, where it all began. Having Italy on our side is a huge advantage. We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Every region has a story to tell, a folklore that reveals the soul of the land and its people.

LK: Do you feel a responsibility to safeguard these traditions?

DD: Yes—the passing of time reminds us how important it is to preserve traditions so that they become everyone’s heritage. This is exactly why we work side by side with artisans—to shine a light on their extraordinary talent. We can’t let their knowledge and expertise be forgotten. It has to be passed down to future generations.

Stefano Gabbana: We want to convey to young people the idea of beauty and of creation made with love, care, attention to detail. We don’t only promote Made in Italy; we emphasize the importance of passing craftsmanship on to future generations. Without continuity, there is no culture.

LK: How do you balance honoring your heritage with pushing bold, new ideas forward?

SG: Both Domenico and I are very curious people. We don’t want to be repetitive, and we never shy away from new things. We like to challenge ourselves. And every collection is a challenge: finding a balance between tradition and innovation, between our roots and the changing world.

LK: Does that challenge get harder as the industry moves faster?

SG: Over time, the tools have changed, but our message has always been the same. We know that we have a responsibility to speak the language of younger generations. The world is constantly evolving, and people change, as do their desires. We have to be ready to pick up on these signals and transform them into emotion and beauty. This is the biggest challenge and, at the same time, the most stimulating. It’s what still excites us creatively—finding new ways to tell our story without losing authenticity.

LK: It seems you’re more interested in that authenticity than in chasing what’s “cool.”

SG: For us, evolution has to respect tradition. Too often, fashion highlights only what is considered cool or trendy, but which does not say much else. We’re not interested in this. We create clothes for real people who feel emotions and convey individuality.

LK: Dal Cuore alle Mani brings together so many threads of your work—heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, etc. How does this chapter reflect your personal and creative evolution?

SG: We wanted to take stock of our wonderful journey, recounting everything we’ve learned over the years. It’s our most powerful means of telling the story of Italy—the mastery of the artisans we’ve met, the new techniques we’ve discovered, and Italian craftsmanship—so that nothing is ever lost. The creations on display, from clothes to jewelry, are the ultimate expression of our work. They bear witness to the hands of the artisans who turn our dreams into reality.

DD: When we decided to embark on the path of haute couture, we were inspired by the 19th-century Grand Tours—the travelers who came from France, England, and all over the world to discover il bel paese and immerse themselves in its traditions, culture, and cuisine. Our own journey in search of the Italian spirit has taken us from Sicily to Naples, Portofino, Capri, Venice, Florence, Puglia, and, finally, Rome. Dal Cuore alle Mani retraces this path: our favorite places, touched by the Grand Tour of Alta Moda. Italy is a mosaic of traditions and excellence that changes from region to region. We want to give it continuity.

LK: What new dimensions of Dolce&Gabbana are you hoping to share through the different locations?

SG: We adapt the exhibition to every location. So, in Rome, we added Sardinian Art, a tribute to the island’s heritage; Sartorial Anatomy, exploring corsetry; and Cinema, honoring Giuseppe Tornatore. In Miami, we do the same, thanks to our extraordinary curator Florence Müller. 

LK: Looking back at your career, what has been your proudest moment to date?

DD: What makes us most proud is having created a unique language that’s recognizable all over the world. It’s not just about clothes, but about having built an image that celebrates Italianness, family, and Mediterranean culture. Every collection, every project has been a step toward telling the story of who we are, so the fact that Dolce&Gabbana is now synonymous with style and identity is the greatest satisfaction for us.

LK: And a few quickfire questions to end on… What’s your favorite spot for people-watching?

SG: The airport. There’s no better place to watch people.

LK: One thing you think Italians do better than anyone else?

DD: Dreaming.

LK: If your home had a dress code, what would it be?

SG: Baroque.

LK: What is your favorite smell in the world?

SG: Patchouli.

LK: What is your most treasured piece of clothing?

DD: The first jacket I ever sewed, without a doubt.

LK: When is your favorite time of day?

SG: The morning, at home alone, with my first coffee.

LK: A daily ritual you always make time for?

DD: Since I got Fefè, the poodle that Stefano gave me, little habits with him have become important. Taking care of him makes me feel good.

LK: Your go-to recipe for hosting dinner?

DD: Pasta alla norma, timballo di anelletti… I love to cook, and when I have guests, I always go overboard. I’m afraid there won’t be enough food!

LK: What brings you joy and helps you recharge outside of work?

DD: It may sound trite, but family and friends are—and always will be—our safe haven.

Dal Cuore alle Mani runs until June 14th, 2026 at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami.