Stefano Gabbana pens love letter to Domenico Dolce

Italian designer writes letter to his long-term business partner.

Domenico Dolce, right, and Stefano Gabbana (AP)

In the run-up to the presentation of their spring/summer 2015 collection at Milan Fashion Week, Stefano Gabbana has written a love letter to Domenico Dolce.

The letter has been published in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera as part of the Festival of Letters which is currently taking place in Milan.

In the letter Gabbana pays to tribute to Dolce and their 29 year relationship. One that has landed them much success and sees them holding 20th and 21st positions on Forbes Italy rich list.

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.

Dolce and Gabbana’s autumn/winter 2014 finale

The duo met in Milan in the late seventies, following few years as design assistants and a stint of military service. Their first collection was shown in 1985.

The letter comes following a turbulent few years for the duo who have endured a major tax evasion court case for failing to declare 1 billion euros of income to authorities. The court sentenced them to 18 months in prison which due to it falling under the 2 year minimum term, was never served.

The presentation of their spring/summer 2015 collection will take place in Milan on Sunday.