Stefano Gabbana, Gay Billionaire

STEFANO GABBANA

Net worth: $1.7 BILLION

Stefano Gabbana is a prominent fashion designer and business mogul with an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion. Alongside his creative partner Domenico Dolce, Gabbana has built an iconic brand that has dominated the fashion industry for decades.

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FORTUNE

Gabbana's fortune comes primarily from his ownership stake in the Dolce & Gabbana brand. The brand has a diverse portfolio that includes high-end clothing, accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics. Additionally, Gabbana has invested in luxury real estate properties and an extensive art collection featuring works from renowned artists.

NEGATIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. "Their homophobic comments are a disgrace." - Cara Delevingne, criticizing Dolce & Gabbana's comments on IVF and gay families, Twitter, March 2015
2. "It is so ignorant and so medieval to talk about children born through artificial insemination as being synthetic. It's insulting to all families." - Sir Elton John, reacting to Dolce & Gabbana's IVF comments, Instagram, March 2015
3. "Dolce & Gabbana need to stop supporting corrupt, outdated, and irrelevant systems and start supporting humanity." - Courtney Love, commenting on Dolce & Gabbana's support for Melania Trump, Twitter, June 2017
4. "What Stefano Gabbana says about Selena Gomez's appearance is completely unnecessary and cruel." - Julia Michaels, criticizing Gabbana's negative comments on Selena Gomez's appearance, Twitter, June 2018
5. "Gabbana is a fashion dinosaur who is out of touch with reality." - Designer Brian Atwood, responding to Gabbana's negative comments on Instagram influencers, Instagram, October 2018

POSITIVE THINGS LUMINARIES HAVE SAID ABOUT HIM

1. "Dolce & Gabbana designs exude Italian glamour and sex appeal. Stefano Gabbana is a true visionary." - Jennifer Lopez, in an interview with Harper's Bazaar, April 2018
2. "Stefano Gabbana has a unique talent for creating fashion that is both modern and timeless." - Victoria Beckham, in conversation with InStyle, September 2019
3. "Gabbana's designs are stunningly beautiful and always make me feel confident and empowered." - Supermodel Gisele Bundchen, to Vogue, May 2019
4. "Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce are pioneers in the fashion industry, creating designs that are both innovative and timeless." - Actress Emma Stone, in an interview with W Magazine, November 2016
5. "Gabbana's designs are truly iconic, and his passion for fashion is infectious." - Model Naomi Campbell, during a panel discussion with Fashionista, October 2017

HOW HE GOT STARTED

Stefano Gabbana's interest in fashion began at a young age, and he went on to study graphic design at the Istituto Superiore per le Industrie Artistiche in Rome. He moved to Milan after completing his studies and began working as an assistant designer for Italian designer Giorgio Correggiari. It was during this time that he met Domenico Dolce, and the two formed a creative partnership that would change the fashion world.

THE TURNING POINT

Dolce & Gabbana's debut collection during Milan Fashion Week in 1986 marked a significant turning point in their career. Their "Sicilian widow" collection featured bold patterns, sensuality, and traditional Italian craftsmanship, and it immediately caught the attention of the fashion world. Their innovative designs received critical acclaim and commercial success, propelling them to the forefront of the industry.

WHEN HE CAME OUT

Stefano Gabbana has always been open about his sexuality. In a 2006 interview with The Advocate, he talked about being gay since his childhood and how it was never an issue for him. Gabbana's romantic relationship with Domenico Dolce ended in 2005, but the two remained business partners and friends. His coming out was well-received by the public and his business associates, and he has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation throughout his career.

PHILOSOPHY

Stefano Gabbana's business philosophy centers around passion, creativity, and authenticity. In a 2019 interview with Forbes, he said, "We create fashion that we love, and we believe in the power of beauty and confidence." Gabbana emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising on one's vision. He advises aspiring designers to follow their instincts, work hard, and be authentic.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Stefano Gabbana's current relationship status is unknown. He has not been publicly linked to anyone romantically since his split from Domenico Dolce in 2005.

LGBT PHILANTHROPY

Stefano Gabbana and Dolce & Gabbana have been supporters of various LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Trevor Project. They have used their brand's influence to raise awareness and funds for these causes and have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

CONTROVERSIES

1. IVF and Gay Family Comments: In 2015, Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce faced backlash for their comments on IVF and gay families in an interview with Italian magazine Panorama. Their remarks were perceived as homophobic and drew criticism from many celebrities and activists.
2. Cultural Appropriation: In 2013, Dolce & Gabbana faced criticism for their spring/summer collection, which featured designs inspired by traditional Moorish styles. Critics accused the brand of cultural appropriation and insensitivity.
3. Racist Ads: In 2018, Dolce & Gabbana faced backlash for a series of ads featuring an Asian model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks. The ads were deemed racist and stereotypical, and the brand faced widespread condemnation.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• Stefano Gabbana is a prolific photographer and has shot several campaigns for his brand.
• Gabbana is an avid collector of contemporary art and has a substantial collection of works by artists such as Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.
• Gabbana's favorite city is New York, and he has described the city as a significant source of inspiration for his work.

SPEECHES

In a 2016 speech at the Business of Fashion summit, Gabbana spoke about the importance of staying true to one's vision and values in the fashion industry. "Fashion is not just about trends and clothes," he said. "It's about authenticity and creativity, and the power of imagination to change the world."

BOOKS

Stefano Gabbana has co-authored several books with Domenico Dolce, including "Hollywood," "Music," and "Animal." These books explore the brand's inspirations, milestones, and creative vision.

DOCUMENTARIES

"Dolce & Gabbana: A-Z of Music"(2013) - This documentary explores the intersection of music and fashion in Dolce & Gabbana's creative process, featuring interviews with industry insiders and musicians such as Kylie Minogue and Madonna.

"Dolce & Gabbana: Life, Love, and Fashion" (2014) - This documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and careers of Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce, showcasing their creative process, personal lives, and the history of their iconic brand.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO STEFANO GABBANA

1. "I think fashion is a reflection of our times. It's constantly evolving and changing, just like our society." - Stefano Gabbana, in an interview with Harper's Bazaar, October 2018
2. "I believe in the power of beauty and creativity to bring people together." - Stefano Gabbana, speaking with The Telegraph, September 2017
3. "For me, fashion is not just about clothes, it's about storytelling and creating a narrative." - Stefano Gabbana, in conversation with Vogue, November 2019
4. "I think fashion should be inclusive and celebrate diversity. It's important to show different perspectives and representations." - Stefano Gabbana, during an interview with Elle, June 2020
5. "At the end of the day, fashion is about making people feel good about themselves. It's about giving them confidence and a sense of identity." - Stefano Gabbana, as quoted in Forbes, April 2019