The company was started by the Italian designers Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana and is based in Milan, Italy.

Dolce & Gabbana has continued, as throughout its history, to be influenced by Hollywood and to spread the word about its line by outfitting Hollywood celebrities. In addition to maintaining their longtime relationship with Madonna (for whom they created costumes and sets for performances and albums in 2000), the duo has outfitted the likes of Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston for appearances and performances. In some cases, Dolce & Gabbana designs for musicians and actors influence their direction in subsequent collections, when they incorporate some of the pieces and themes from music tours with which they have been involved.