Dolce & Gabbana co-founder Stefano Gabbana quits as chairman

Stefano Gabbana, the co-founder of Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, stepped down as the brand's chairman.

Mr Gabbana stepped down ​as chairman in January, according to ​a company filing with the local chamber ​of ⁠commerce, though he will continue in his creative role at the company.

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His resignation came "as part of a natural evolution of its organisational structure and governance", the fashion house said.

"These resignations have no impact whatsoever on the creative activities carried out by Stefano Gabbana on behalf of the group."

Replacing Mr Gabbana is Alfonso Dolce, the brother of co-founder Domenico Dolce and the current D&G chief executive. He took over the role in January, according to Bloomberg, which first reported news of Mr Gabbana's resignation.

The Italian company has been squeezed by an ongoing slowdown in the luxury goods sector, compounded recently by uncertainties from the Iran war.

Mr Gabbana was present at D&G's last runway show in February, with their longtime muse Madonna as a front-row guest.

Both he and Mr Dolce greeted Madonna personally at her seat after the show and brought her backstage.

An iconic brand

D&G was formed in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Mr Gabbana, who remained its creative leaders.

The brand grew in popularity in the 1990s with cone bras, corset looks and tailored black dresses.

The designers have often drawn on Mr Dolce's Sicilian roots, with sheer materials and netting for menswear and bright floral and fruit prints and jewellery with oversized crosses.

They also expanded into fragrance, home goods and watches.

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