Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 28, 2025 · Entertainment

From Local Runways to Red Carpets: Dolce & Gabbana's Hollywood Rise

Lauren Sanchez in her Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress as she weds Jeff Besos during their Venice nuptials

Dolce & Gabbana: The Fashion House that Thrives on Controversy and Glamour

It's hard to believe that Dolce & Gabbana, one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world, was once a small boutique store in Milan, Italy. Fast forward to today, and you'll find them rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities, dressing up some of the most stylish women on the planet, and making headlines with their over-the-top designs.

But despite their glamorous reputation, Dolce & Gabbana's journey to the top wasn't without its controversies. The fashion house has been embroiled in scandal after scandal, from racism and homophobia allegations to tax evasion charges. Yet, through it all, they've managed to stay relevant, even thriving on the drama.

There was a whole 'glam team' bhind Lauren's look (hair by @rickhenryla @opusbeauty Makeup @bylauramele Nails @iramsheltonStyling @sweetbabyjamiePhoto @nicolasgerardin)

So, how did D&G go from being nobodies to becoming Hollywood's "haute couture" of choice? The answer lies in their ability to understand what the demands of the elite are at any given time. According to brand expert Chad Teixeira, "Dolce & Gabbana has transformed into a luxury powerhouse that understands celebrity culture arguably better than any other fashion house today."

Their key to success? Understanding that fashion isn't just about clothes; it's about moments. Whether it's a wedding, a red carpet appearance, or a paparazzi-stalked vacation, D&G delivers fantasy, glamour, and drama in a way that feels both timeless and totally now.

And what better moment than a celebrity wedding? Just ask Kourtney Kardashian, who donned a lace and satin corseted mini-dress by the designer to marry Travis Barker in Portofino. The look was so stunning that even Stefano Gabbana's past criticisms of the Kardashians seemed to be forgotten.

Lauren's dress had a timeless elegance, with long train, a mermaid style silhouette andlog lace sleeves

But D&G's impact on celebrity culture goes beyond just dressing up A-listers. They've also become a go-to source for inspiration, with their designs often being recreated by fans and influencers around the world.

And speaking of weddings, it seems that Lauren Sanchez, Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos' fiancée, has chosen D&G to create her wedding dress. Insiders say that Sam Horowitz, a full-time sales executive at Dolce & Gabbana, was spotted carrying garment bags containing their outfits as they left the iconic store in Milan for a dress-fitting.

Of course, not everyone is a fan of D&G's work. Critics have accused them of racism, homophobia, and misogyny, among other things. And while some have apologized for their controversial designs, others have stood by their artistic vision, claiming that they're simply trying to create something new and exciting.

They burst on the scene in 1983, as the 'new talents' of Milanese fashion - but Dolce & Gabbana is now far from their origins of a small boutique store that used real Italian women for their first amateur runway show, as they have become Hollywood's 'haute couture' of choice. Domenico Dolce, 66, and Stefano Gabbana, 62, pictured in 2000

Despite the controversy, it's hard to deny the impact that D&G has had on the fashion world. They've managed to stay relevant, even thriving on drama, and have become a staple of celebrity culture.

So, what's next for D&G? According to Oriona Robb, luxury fashion stylist and consultant, "Dolce & Gabbana is relevant because they understand that fashion today isn't just about the clothes; it's about the moment. They design for women who want to be seen, celebrated, and remembered."

And with their archive being lauded by Gen Z, it seems that D&G will continue to thrive on controversy and glamour for years to come.

In 2022, Kourtney Kardashian donned a lace and satin corseted mini-dress by the designer to marry Travis Barker in Portofino

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note (TSN): Dolce & Gabbana's Archive is a Treasure Trove of Retro Sexy Sicilian Designs
  • TSN: Kourtney Kardashian's Wedding Dress was Designed by Dolce & Gabbana
  • TSN: Lauren Sanchez's Wedding Dress will be Designed by Dolce & Gabbana

Chad says that D&G's key role in Kourtney Kardashian's 2022 wedding was a 'major high point' for brand's pivot from high society to Hollywood

Speaking to FEMAIL, brand expert Chad Teixeira explained that the designers' success in the luxury lies in their ability to understand what the demands of the elite are at any point in time. The designers with Kim Kardashian in 2023

Kim pictured with Domenico at her sister Kourtney's wedding 2022 - in head to toe D&G ensembles

Speaking to Vogue in 2017, Domenico (pictured today, in a black suit, at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding) stressed that another key part of their appeal in both the haute and mainstream has been authenticity

D&G now appears to also be part of the glam squad for Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos' wedding. Lauren pictured in March

Lauren pictured at Dolce & Gabbana¿s Alta Moda show in another stunning. chic ensemble last July

Lauren pictured sporting yet another daring ensemble at a Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Sardinia

However, when it comes to Lauren's fashion history, she has favoured the brand's more sultry, romantic ensembles with shoulderless necklines and figure-hugging silhouettes. Pictured in 2023

Princess Diana 's niece Lady Kitty Spencer topped the best dressed lists at the Duke and Duchess's wedding in 2018 (right), dazzling in a green floral dress from the Italian fashion house after modelling for the brand on several occasions

A few years later, Dolce also designed her own wedding dress. Kitty pictured at a D&G show in 2023

Elsewhere, Lady Amelia Windsor (pictured in 2017) has also being enlisted as a model by the brand alongside Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece