Experience the Eclectic Grandeur of Fashion's Visionaries
The Genesis of a Milanese Dream Home: A Multifaceted Design Journey
Design moguls Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, renowned for their fashion sensibilities, exhibit a similar mastery in curating their living spaces. Their expansive new Milanese penthouse is a testament to their eclectic tastes, seamlessly merging disparate eras and styles. Just as their runway shows are a symphony of diverse musical genres, their home is a vibrant collision of historical elegance and modern artistry. Gilded furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries harmoniously coexists with iconic Basquiat and Warhol pieces, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present within their personal sanctuary.
The Personalities Behind the Panache: A Study in Contrasts
The visual narrative of their home is deeply intertwined with the personalities of its inhabitants. Stefano Gabbana, 37, presents a tall, refined, and sophisticated figure, reminiscent of a character from Lampedusa's classic novel, The Leopard. In contrast, Domenico Dolce, 41, embodies a more jovial and earthy presence, akin to a character from a Boccaccio tale. These contrasting yet complementary personas extend to their public image, famously described by fashion critic Cathy Horyn as "fashion's Laurel and Hardy." Beyond their sartorial empire, they are prominent figures in Milan's glamorous nightlife, even owning Post Garage, a disco adorned with the very animal prints that are a hallmark of their brand, both in their professional and private lives. Their home is a vivid demonstration of this passion, featuring a lavish array of zebra and leopard patterns, including a plush sheared Persian lamb rug.
The Extensive Search for a Milanese Haven: From Modest Beginnings to Grand Expansion
The journey to their current apartment was a rigorous two-and-a-half-year pursuit across central Milan, followed by an equally lengthy renovation process. Gabbana recalls their persistent search, driven by an innate desire for a place that resonated deeply with them. "You instinctively know when you feel good in a place. You feel a connection," he notes. Despite initial skepticism from real estate agents, they eventually discovered the perfect location. Ironically, this cherished spot was directly across from their corporate headquarters, a majestic 18th-century palazzo that itself reflects the extravagance expected of Italy's fashion titans. Their offices are a spectacle of design, featuring a crimson velvet-draped staircase, a Venetian glass chandelier casting rainbow hues in a zebra-striped dining room, and a grand marquee in the garden for their spectacular fashion presentations.
Overcoming Design Challenges: The Art of Patchwork and Personal Expression
The initial apartment presented its own set of challenges, described by Gabbana as "very seventies" with its "orange peel walls, brown carpet on the floor." After two months, they realized the acquired half of the fifth floor was insufficient for their vision. This led to negotiations with the penthouse owners upstairs, and subsequently, the remaining portion of the fifth floor, culminating in a sprawling "patchwork" of three apartments. This extensive space allowed them to fully indulge their creative impulses. Gabbana articulates their design philosophy: "I don't know if we have good taste or bad taste—but we have a taste!" They sought a home that authentically represented their past, present, and future, serving as a canvas for the diverse treasures collected during their global travels.
Culinary Heart of the Home and Diverse Aesthetic Influences
For Dolce, the kitchen is unequivocally the "heart of the house," a sentiment echoed by Gabbana, who associates it with childhood memories of homework, play, and family discussions. This warm, communal spirit is embedded in the apartment's layout, where rooms flow seamlessly around the two kitchens and dining areas. Dolce, who briefly pursued architecture in Palermo, collaborated with architect Claudio Nardi on the structural framework, while Rodolpho Dordoni assisted in sourcing antiques and artworks, blending 1930s and contemporary pieces with their beloved "baroque Sicilian" aesthetic. This design philosophy extends to their other properties: a sleek, black-and-white linear seaside villa in Roquebrune, reflecting Dolce's minimalist inclinations, and a vibrant, "chaotic," and colorful house on the volcanic island of Stromboli, embodying Gabbana's spirited "Italian folk" taste, a playful mix of "cheap and chic."
A Harmonious Blend: Milanese Urbanity Meets Sicilian Soul
In their Milan apartment, these distinct aesthetics coalesce powerfully, mirroring the synergy found in their fashion collections. Dolce's refined, architectural approach, characterized by airy vistas and open spaces, provides a perfect environment for their Labradors, Lola and Dali. This expansive framework is then enriched by Gabbana's eclectic collections, including a significant array of Warhol pieces, creating a dialogue between historical artifacts and modern art. Despite its urban setting, the apartment possesses an undeniable Sicilian spirit, which Gabbana defines as a "passion for life" expressed through the dominant color black, absorbing all other vibrant hues. The intimate areas of the apartment are adorned with heavy black raw silk paneling, reminiscent of a Dolce & Gabbana opera coat, and windows are draped in voluminous black silk chiffon. Outside, the terraces are transformed into exotic yet rustic gardens, featuring palm trees, roses, geraniums, and an abundance of fresh herbs for Dolce's beloved Sicilian culinary creations, shared almost nightly with their close circle of friends.
Recreating Stromboli's Charm: A Volcanic Pool and Show-Stopping Sets
The rooftop pool stands as an optimistic counterpoint to Milan's often grey skies, designed to evoke the sensation of a Stromboli beach. The pool's surface is laid with tiny black volcanic pebbles sourced directly from the island, creating a unique tactile experience. The surrounding terraces, meticulously landscaped by Giorgio Fornari, the visionary behind their elaborate fashion show sets, further enhance this illusion. Gabbana praises Fornari as an artist who deeply understands their vision. This season, the designers aimed to offer their audience a more personal insight into their private world by integrating elements of their new apartment into their fashion show sets. This included moving personal furnishings and artworks, such as the striking 1926 Tamara de Lempicka portrait that Gabbana gifted to Dolce. This portrait, along with the inspiring spirit of de Lempicka—a "future woman" embodying independence, glamour, and discipline—served as a primary inspiration for their fall collection. For Dolce and Gabbana, their work and life are inextricably linked, and their profound affection for their home mirrors their passion for their fashion creations.
