Back when it all began, at the dawn of the '80s, I already had a uniquely personal love for fashion, even though I didn't really know much about it. Yet, after my studies in graphic design, I found myself working by chance in the same studio where Domenico was the lead assistant. I had never even sketched a design: for months, I copied his sketches, learning a craft that was already in his blood after a childhood spent in his father's tailoring shop. Within a few years, we found ourselves designing collections together for others, sharing a tiny studio with our two surnames on the door, like lawyers.
In October 1985, in the final hour of the last day of the fashion week calendar, something truly magical happened: Beppe Modenese believed in us enough to have us present our first collection as emerging young designers. We had only two million lire in our pockets, still not knowing much, but we loved fashion, and we loved each other.
It is with this same spirit that I often find myself looking at old photos, watching footage of our runway shows, browsing through letters and emails from the many friends who have given us their affection and support over the years, having seen something special in us. Imagine opening a treasure chest full of stories told in black lace, patterns, and an abundance of love. Immersing oneself in this world means understanding the evolution of our taste, the inspirations that have shaped our identity. It means rediscovering a personal history, but one that is intertwined with a broader history that has forever marked the world we live in, the culture, and even our perception of things. But above all, it means passing on to the younger generations a sense of continuity and belonging to a world of creativity and innovation. Every dress, every design, every detail in the Dolce&Gabbana archive tells a story that goes beyond just the history of a designer duo: it's the story of the skilled hands of brilliant artisans, of an entire community of talents who have contributed to writing unforgettable pages of our professional life while giving a chance to dream to those who, trusting us, have worn our creations.
I would really like this small yet significant treasure to be accessible to everyone, especially to young people. From the runway collections to the photographic campaigns, from the crystal-studded leotards to casual tank tops and flat caps, it would make me happy if these stories could serve the dual purpose of shedding light on why we are who we are, and retracing the thread that connects our past to the future.
That's precisely why I've handpicked some of the most unforgettable moments from our fashion journey that I'm eager to share with all of you today, should you choose to embark on this voyage with me. For this archive holds little meaning if it remains inaccessible to the creative minds who are already shaping tomorrow, if it's not offered to satisfy the hunger for knowledge that only young people can teach us.
Back when I embarked on this journey with Domenico, we had nothing but a modest sewing machine, a simple bedsheet separating the runway from the backstage, and a burning desire to show the world who we are. While times may have changed since then, I’m still certain of one thing: if you have something to say, and you truly believe in it, you must say it fearlessly.