Stefano Gabbana Has Quietly Resigned as Chairman of Dolce & Gabbana

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Summary

  • Stefano Gabbana, co-founder of the Italian luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana, has officially resigned from his role as chairman of the company
  • While the resignation occurred in December 2025, it was only recently made public ahead of the brand’s upcoming debt negotiations with creditors
  • Domenico Dolce’s brother, Alfonso Dolce, has assumed the role of chairman, while former Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino is rumored to be joining the top management team

Dolce & Gabbana is undergoing a leadership change. Stefano Gabbana, who co-founded the famous Italian fashion house, has stepped down as chairman. While he left the position in December 2025, the news is just becoming public now. This change comes as the company begins important talks to manage its debts, and Gabbana is considering what to do with his 40% ownership of the brand.

After Gabbana stepped down, the company has maintained family leadership. Alfonso Dolce, brother of Domenico Dolce and the current CEO, became chairman in January 2026. There are also signs of a larger management change coming, with rumors suggesting former Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino might join the leadership team, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

As a long-time fan, it’s a little worrying to hear that Dolce & Gabbana is facing some financial challenges right now. Apparently, the company, which Domenico Dolce and I remember being founded back in 1985, has around €450 million in debt. They’re working with Rothschild & Co. to talk to their banks about a solution. It sounds like they’re trying to refinance about €300 million over the next few years and also get around €150 million to really boost their beauty and fragrance lines, which are doing really well. Hopefully, they can work things out and keep creating the amazing designs we all love!

Although the brand has faced public criticism in the past, Domenico Gabbana’s recent departure from the corporate board doesn’t seem to be related to a new controversy. It appears to be part of a planned shift in the company’s strategy. Gabbana & Dolce are looking to sell some properties and renew licensing agreements to generate funds, as the luxury market experiences a general slowdown. Interestingly, Gabbana didn’t fully step away from the brand; he continued to lead the creative side and even joined Domenico Dolce on the runway at Milan Fashion Week in February 2026, where Madonna made a surprise appearance.

It’s still uncertain if Gabbana leaving his position as chairman means he’ll no longer be involved in the brand’s daily work, or if he’s simply stepping down from managing the company. Everyone will be watching what happens with his 40% ownership and the company’s plans to secure new funding.

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2026-04-10 03:56