This is the stuff of romance novels. To kick off Milan Fashion Week, Stefano Gabbana wrote an open love letter to Domenico Dolce, which was published in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera as part of the Festival of Letters.
The affectionate note couldn’t have come at a better time. Next year will mark the 30th anniversary since the design team launched their eponymous label. And although they split romantically in 1999, after 20 years together, the duo’s bond as friends and business partners is as strong as ever. Tissues, please.
“Dear Domenico,
I have never written you a letter before. Perhaps because between us there has never been a need for many words. A glance has always been enough for us to understand each other. This is the first time that I have ever written to you, and I must confess, it all seems quite strange to me.
When we are interviewed, our comments blend quickly in a play of continuous comings and goings: I start a topic and you bring it to its conclusion, you are about to finish a thought and I interrupt, I repeat and I conclude your initial idea.
With pen and paper, everything is different: the words are more difficult, they have a deeper value, one which remains unique, as unique as you are and as you will always be for me. We have created Dolce and Gabbana together from nothing, and with the power of our love we have achieved all that we have.
By supporting each other we have been able to overcome many difficulties and many prejudices. And even today, thanks to the emotions that bind us inextricably to each other, we continue to face together the joys and sorrows that life holds for us. You are my family.
Many years have passed since I first heard your voice on the other end of the phone, everything and yet nothing has changed. The love I felt then has only transformed, continuing to fill me with wonderful emotions. You are unique and you remain so in my life, just as this letter which I now write will also remain unique.
I love you,
Stefano”
