Fashion, luxury and unique, high-end lifestyles complement LGBTQ+ culture. Fashion has always been about freedom, open-mindedness and progression. At Dolce & Gabbana, the LGBTQ+ community has always been at the forefront of its values. In 2022, D&G sponsored a scholarship to welcome more LGBTQ+ students into the fashion world. Understanding where D&G began with the LGBTQ+ community and where they are now can help you understand the importance of the scholarship to the fashion house.
Dolce & Gabbana Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in the Fashion Industry
D&G launched in 1985 with Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana as the minds behind the brand. They were both assistant designers at the time but began collaborating on designs together. They were two passionate individuals who envisioned a luxury brand that told a story. The brand continues to seek innovative, creative minds for the fashion industry.
In honor of International Coming Out Day 2022, D&G collaborated with Point Foundation to create a scholarship for LGBTQ+ youth interested in the fashion industry. The Point Foundation is one of the largest LGBTQ+ organizations in the U.S., designed to empower students to achieve leadership positions within the industry.
This year, D&G made the decision to sponsor a four-year scholarship for students who want to study fashion or related fields.
Celebrating Nonconformity With Dolce & Gabbana
In 2020, the Alta Sartoria collection was a progressive look at how modern young men can mix styles, regardless of traditional gender. D&G considered how different generations express themselves and created an electrifying line based on gender nonconformity. For D&G, fashion means freedom. Throughout D&G’s history, the company has blended feminine and masculine looks, styles and fabrics. The fashion house celebrates larger-than-life men, willing to dress in bright suits, ruffled shirts and attire suited for a prince.
The new generation of students has a different relationship with gender than the generations before. A scholarship can help LGBTQ+ students bring their visions and ideas into the industry.
Standing Up for LGBTQ+ Families
The scholarship is not the first time that Dolce & Gabbana supported the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community is a part of the D&G family. The luxury fashion brand proudly supports same-sex families. They produced a line of t-shirts and bags with cartoon representations of gay and lesbian families printed on them. The initial release occurred at a time when Italy was voting on same-sex civil unions.
Preserving the Future of the LGBTQ+ Community
LGBTQ+ youth have the highest risk of depression and suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The Trevor Project is an organization that ensures young LGBTQ+ people understand that they are not alone and that there are people who care about them. For instance, one adult can reduce the risk of a young person harming themselves by 40%.
Dolce & Gabbana devoted their Love Is Love campaign to the Trevor Project. By supporting the Trevor Project, the organization can continue its mission to stop youth suicide.
Dolce & Gabbana and the Point Foundation’s Scholarship
LGBTQ+ people thrive in the fashion industry. Dolce & Gabbana wants LGBTQ+ students to learn the industry, attend college and pave the way for a future filled with artistry and inclusivity.
