Famous Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have refused to accept that their popular label will live after them, saying they will ensure it dies with them.
The iconic duo made this known in a Thursday interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Gabbana, 55, said, “Once we’re dead, we’re dead. I don’t want a Japanese designer to start designing Dolce & Gabbana.”
The ex-lovers launched their brand in 1985 and continue to work together despite breaking up as a couple in 2004.
He added, “When we split up, we said to ourselves that it was better to divide up everything, because if I took a blow to the head the next day he (Dolce) would have found himself dealing with someone not involved in the industry, like for example my cousin, who could ruin the business.
“We have created a trust neither of us can touch.”
Also, Dolce, 59, disclosed that the duo have refused many offers to buy up the brand.
“You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not free, what do you do? You don’t go to the grave with a coffin stuffed with money,” he quipped.
He also admitted that despite making a ton of it over the years, the duo do not have enough time to spend their money.
He said, “I’m too busy working. I don’t care about becoming richer, my goal is to be successful.”
Dolce further disclosed that breaking up has not affected their relationship in any way.
“Even today, what is mine is his, and what is his is mine… our new partners know that’s how it is, whether they like it or not.
“If a love is born when you are young — for me it was the first experience, for him the first love story — it is pure, total,” he said.