Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have weathered it all since meeting in 1980 and launching their eponymous brand Dolce & Gabbana in 1985. From learning the dynamics of working as a team to a now-defunct lawsuit that claimed their company was guilty of tax evasion, it’s been both a grandiose and wearying journey.
A few bumps in the proverbial road haven’t effected the duo’s ability to evolve -- a necessary skill in the tempestuous world of fashion. Their newest advancement is the establishment of “Alta Sartoria,” a bespoke men’s collection launched last fall. The name translates to “high tailoring” in English, and that very idea is the driving force behind the line. In a conversation with the “Wall Street Journal,” Dolce explained, “We are doing Alta Sartoria just for the love of Italian tradition.” As the son of a Sicilian tailor, Dolce, who sewed his first pair of pants at the age of six, feels a deep connection to the craft-driven practices of his childhood home.
Although everything in the collection can be customized, right down to button details, linings, thread color and accessories, Dolce maintains that he wants the line to reflect the ethos of his father’s lifetime. In both he and Gabbana’s view, that means simplicity, craftsmanship and functionality will be emphasized just as highly as luxury.
As of right now, orders can only be placed in Milan through the company’s flagship atelier, located in a 16th-century palazzo. However, this fall, interested parties will be able to order through the D&G’s Fifth Avenue store in New York. Welcome to the world of bespoke, fellas.
