Dolce&Gabbana collaborates with H-FARM College and Georgetown University for an international bootcamp that combines academic training with direct exposure to the excellence of Made in Italy.

For over two months, twenty top students from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business worked remotely on four Challenges in the beauty, legal, CRM, and marketing sectors, defined in collaboration with the relevant teams from Dolce&Gabbana and H-FARM College as part of an international bootcamp. The students were tasked with developing innovative strategies to address key issues related to the evolution of the brand’s business.

The Challenge—an initiative by H-FARM College that gives students the chance to solve real-world problems presented by top companies—focused on key areas for Dolce&Gabbana’s future: boosting the appeal of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty among younger generations in the US and China, finding legal solutions powered by AI to navigate complex regulations, and using technology-driven CRM strategies to build stronger connections with luxury consumers.

After a series of intensive lessons on entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence held by H-FARM College professors, from which students were able to further refine their projects, on the 15th of May 2025, Dolce&Gabbana opened its doors to working groups for a special day in which students had the opportunity to come into direct contact with the brand’s universe and officially present their projects to senior management.

With this initiative, Dolce&Gabbana consolidates its commitment to supporting and promoting the education of new generations, offering concrete and highly formative experiences in collaboration with excellent academic institutions.

In 2022, Dolce&Gabbana, in collaboration with ACOF, a non-profit organization specialized in training for the textile and clothing sector, launched an innovative professional training program called “IFTS Product Industrialization, Times & Methods, and Process Mapping”. The six-month program is designed for young people between eighteen and twenty-five years of age, with the aim of qualifying them as highly specialized technical figures in the production cycle of clothing collections.

An innovative approach: combined apprenticeship

The course stands out for its approach based on combined apprenticeship. This method combines theoretical teaching by qualified Dolce&Gabbana instructors with practical experience through a work contract. Students not only learn fundamental and advanced industry concepts, but also have the opportunity to directly apply this knowledge in a real work environment.

Program’s goals

The main objective of this program is to provide participants with the technical and professional knowledge and skills necessary to operate effectively within the production cycle of clothing collections. This includes an in-depth understanding of production times and methods, as well as process mapping techniques, which are essential for optimizing production processes.
Dolce&Gabbana and ACOF aim to promote qualified employment for young participants. Upon completion of the course, these young talents will be prepared to enter the job world with a set of market-demanded skills, making them ideal candidates for technical roles within industry’s companies.

Dolce&Gabbana launches Gen D – Generation Designers, a project dedicated to design that promotes emerging talents in the field. The initiative brings together international designers who, in collaboration with the artisans working with the brand, develop their creations, connecting with the centuries-old traditions of Made in Italy craftsmanship. This fusion of innovation and expert craftsmanship creates a fresh vision of design.

Born from the desire of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to bring the same forward-thinking approach that has always defined the brand into the field of furniture design, Gen D creates ad ongoing path, aimed at creating a dialogue between the company’s creativity, Italian traditions, and global influences.

Dolce&Gabbana’s love for Italy knows no bounds. Since their inception, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been dedicated to preserving tailoring traditions, embracing the rich culture and values of Italy, and upholding the art of meticulous handmade craftsmanship. Their world is a fusion of traditions, artisanal mastery, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean. This passion gave rise to the successful Botteghe di Mestiere project, initiated in 2012 at the brand’s Legnano headquarters. The project’s mission is to celebrate Italian craftsmanship and impart the essential skills of the sartorial art to the next generation.

“We aspire to see these virtuous circles between artisanal know-how and contemporary creativity, between education and job opportunities, flourish wherever they may arise. In the world of fashion, we must all strive to safeguard the extensive and invaluable heritage of handmade craftsmanship, which is uniquely abundant in Italy.”

 

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

The fitting. The basting stitch. The interlining. Needle and thread. The cutting. Tailoring is an ancient craft. Crafted by hand. Touching, sewing, cutting. Most importantly, listening and observing. It’s the only way to learn.”

 

Domenico Dolce

“Training young individuals means providing them with opportunities, and we have always believed in the potential of young individuals. We believe in their abilities, knowing that they only need to learn and demonstrate their worth.”

 

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana

Botteghe di Mestiere: The Selection Process

The selection process to join Botteghe di Mestiere and pursue the art of tailoring involves two avenues. Firstly, in actively seeking talent from renowned fashion schools such as ACOF Olga Fiorini, AFOL Moda, Istituto Burgo, Istituto Marangoni, Polimoda, IED Istituto Europeo di Design, and Koefia. Alternatively, aspiring candidates can also submit their applications directly through the Dolce&Gabbana website. Specifically targetted are junior profiles, individuals aged between 20 and 27, who have already completed their fashion education, ensuring a solid foundation for comprehensive training. By embarking on this educational journey, participants have the unique opportunity to preserve and celebrate the ancient craft, actively contributing to the preservation of Italy’s rich heritage of handmade craftsmanship.

“If you have a passion for your craft, being a tailor becomes a labour of love – it’s a profession that thrives, contrary to popular belief. It’s not just about the time it takes to create a jacket; it’s about the deep appreciation for your work and the sense of pride that comes from crafting something with your own hands.”

 

Domenico Dolce