Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana is undergoing a leadership reshuffle as co-founder Stefano Gabbana steps away from a key executive position while remaining central to the brand’s creative direction.
The 63-year-old designer, who launched the label with Domenico Dolce in 1985, has relinquished his role as chairman, with the resignation taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Following his resignation, Stefano will continue working closely with Dolce on the brand’s collections, according to reports from Vogue, Reuters, and Bloomberg.
STEFANO GABBANA: RETAINS CREATIVE HELM
In a statement released Friday, April 10, 2026, Dolce & Gabbana confirmed Gabbana’s resignation from multiple executive roles within the group.
"As part of a natural evolution of its organizational structure and governance, the Dolce & Gabbana Group confirms that Stefano Gabbana has tendered his resignation, effective as of 1 January 2026, from his positions within Dolce & Gabbana Holding Srl, Dolce & Gabbana Trademarks Srl, and Dolce & Gabbana Srl," the statement read, as cited by Vogue.
The company was quick to emphasize that the leadership change would not interfere with the brand's creative direction.
"These resignations have no impact whatsoever on the creative activities carried out by Stefano Gabbana on behalf of the group."
According to Reuters, the move was quietly set into motion in December 2025.
Alfonso Dolce, brother of Domenico Dolce and current CEO, assumed the role of chairman starting in January.
DOLCE & GABBANA: DEBT TALKS
The leadership shift comes as Dolce & Gabbana contends with tougher financial conditions.
In March 2026, Bloomberg revealed the fashion house's debt discussions with its lenders.
The company reportedly carries about 450 million euros (approximately $525.7 million) in debt, with banks considering up to 150 million euros in new funding as part of a refinancing package.
Sources close to the situation said Gabbana has been exploring options regarding his approximately 40 percent stake in the privately held company, which is now about 41 years old.
Addressing the issue, Dolce & Gabbana stated: "With regard to the debt position, the group has no statement to make at this time, as negotiations with the banks are still ongoing."
Bloomberg also mentioned that the management shake-up follows a cooling in the global luxury sector, a downturn that has increasingly affected even legacy European fashion labels.
At this point, there has been no official confirmation of a sale, exit, or ownership change.
Despite the financial backdrop, the brand has insisted that its day-to-day operations and creative output remain unchanged.
Creatively, Dolce & Gabbana continues to be a major presence on the fashion calendar.
The label’s most recent runway show took place in February 2026, during Milan Fashion Week, where Dolce and Gabbana were greeted with applause at the finale.
The event was attended by long-time friend and collaborator Madonna.
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