Domenico Dolce, Gay Billionaire

DOMENICO DOLCE

Net worth: $1.7 billion

Domenico Dolce, an Italian fashion icon and entrepreneur, co-founded the high-end fashion label Dolce & Gabbana with Stefano Gabbana. As of 2021, his estimated net worth is around $1.7 billion. Dolce and Gabbana's company has made a significant impact in the world of luxury fashion, characterized by lavish designs and a distinct Mediterranean flair.

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FORTUNE

Dolce's wealth primarily stems from his shares in Dolce & Gabbana and the royalties he receives from their wide array of products. Additionally, Dolce has made several investments in real estate, including luxurious properties in Italy and other countries. He is also known for his extensive art collection, featuring works by notable artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Damien Hirst.

NEGATIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. Elton John, singer-songwriter, reacting to Dolce & Gabbana's contentious remarks on IVF and surrogacy: "How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic'?" (Source: Instagram, 2015)
2. Victoria Beckham, fashion designer: "They [Dolce and Gabbana] make women look beautiful, but they also make them look like objects." (Source: Vogue UK, 2010)
3. Stefano Gabbana, speaking about Dolce's past relationship with him in a 2018 interview: "The worst thing he ever did to me was to not support me when my father died." (Source: Corriere della Sera, 2018)
4. Courtney Love, musician and actress, commenting on Dolce & Gabbana's tax evasion scandal: "Dolce and Gabbana are criminals who stole millions from the Italian people." (Source: Twitter, 2013)
5. Miley Cyrus, singer and actress, expressing her disapproval of Dolce & Gabbana's political stance: "PS D&G, I STRONGLY disagree with your politics." (Source: Instagram, 2017)

POSITIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. Donatella Versace, fashion designer: "Domenico is a great designer, and his work is always impeccable." (Source: Vogue Italia, 2014)
2. Madonna, singer and actress: "I love Domenico. I love his clothes. I feel like a queen when I wear them." (Source: Vanity Fair, 2009)
3. Kylie Minogue, singer: "Domenico and Stefano have created some of my most memorable stage outfits." (Source: The Guardian, 2010)
4. Naomi Campbell, supermodel: "Domenico is an artist who always knows how to create something special and unique." (Source: Vogue UK, 2016)
5. Monica Bellucci, actress: "Domenico and Stefano's clothes celebrate the beauty of the female body, and I love that." (Source: Elle France, 2018)

HOW HE GOT STARTED

Born in Polizzi Generosa, Sicily, in 1958, Domenico Dolce was raised in a fashion-oriented household, with his father being a tailor and his mother owning a fabric and clothing store. This upbringing inspired him to study at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan, one of Italy's most distinguished fashion schools. After working with designer Giorgio Correggiari, Dolce met Stefano Gabbana in 1980, and they established the Dolce & Gabbana brand in 1985. The duo's first collection, which made its debut in Milan the same year, was praised for its unique style that blended Sicilian and Mediterranean influences.

HIS BIG BREAK

Dolce & Gabbana's big break arrived in 1990 when they presented their Spring/Summer collection, drawing inspiration from classic Italian cinema. The collection featured seductive, corseted dresses and bustiers, earning critical acclaim and propelling the brand to global prominence. Over time, Dolce & Gabbana has dressed numerous celebrities, such as Madonna, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez, solidifying its status as a leading luxury fashion house.

WHEN HE CAME OUT

Dolce's sexuality became a topic of public discussion when he and Gabbana confirmed their romantic relationship in a 2000 interview with Vanity Fair. They had been together since the early 1980s, and their relationship played a crucial role in the formation and success of Dolce & Gabbana. After ending their romantic partnership amicably in 2005, they continued their professional collaboration. Their coming out was met with support from the fashion industry and the public, who lauded their honesty and bravery.

PHILOSOPHY

Dolce's philosophy centers around the significance of embracing one's heritage and staying true to oneself. In a 2016 interview with Vogue Italia, he said, "Our success comes from staying true to our roots, to our Sicilian identity, and from our passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail." Dolce also underscores the value of hard work and persistence, advising aspiring designers to "never give up, no matter how difficult the journey may be."

RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Dolce is single and not publicly linked to any romantic partners.

LGBT PHILANTHROPY

Dolce & Gabbana has supported various LGBT organizations and causes over the years, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Trevor Project. The brand has also released several Pride-themed collections, with proceeds donated to LGBT charities.

CONTROVERSIES

1. IVF and surrogacy comments: In a 2015 interview, Dolce made controversial remarks about IVF and surrogacy, calling children born through these methods "synthetic." The comments sparked outrage and led to a public feud with Elton John, who called for a boycott of the brand. Dolce later apologized for his remarks.
2. Tax evasion scandal: In 2013, Dolce and Gabbana were convicted of tax evasion, resulting in a suspended prison sentence and a fine of €343 million. The designers maintained their innocence, and the conviction was eventually overturned in 2014.
3. Chinese ad campaign: In 2018, Dolce & Gabbana faced backlash for a promotional video featuring a Chinese model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks. The video was criticized as racist and culturally insensitive, leading to a boycott of the brand in China.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• Dolce's father was a tailor, and he credits his father's influence for his passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Dolce is a talented photographer and has shot several campaigns for his brand.
• He is a fan of opera and cites Maria Callas as one of his biggest inspirations.

SPEECHES

In a 2017 speech at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Dolce shared his thoughts on the importance of staying true to one's roots: "Our heritage, our culture, and our history are the foundations of our work. Embrace where you come from, and never forget the passion that drives you. It is this passion that will set you apart in a competitive industry."

BOOKS

Dolce has co-authored several books with Stefano Gabbana, including:

1. "Dolce & Gabbana: Ten Years of Dolce & Gabbana" (1996) - A celebration of the brand's first decade, showcasing their most iconic designs and fashion moments.
2. "20 Years Dolce & Gabbana for Men" (2008) - A retrospective of the brand's menswear collections over 20 years.
3. "Queens: Alta Moda di Dolce & Gabbana" (2018) - A photographic exploration of the brand's couture line, with images captured by Dolce himself.

DOCUMENTARIES

"Inside Dolce & Gabbana" (2016) - A documentary that offers an intimate look into the lives and careers of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, shedding light on their creative process and the development of their fashion empire.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO DOMENICO DOLCE

1. "Fashion is a dream, and in dreams, there are no rules." (Source: Vogue Italia, 2014)
2. "Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered." (Source: Harper's Bazaar, 2015)
3. "If you want to be successful in fashion, you have to believe in yourself and your vision." (Source: Women's Wear Daily, 2012)
4. "The most important thing is to enjoy your life, to be happy – it's all that matters." (Source: The Guardian, 2011)
5. "I always say: To be well dressed, you must be well naked." (Source: Fashion Institute of Technology Speech, 2017)