Italian luxury group Dolce & Gabbana has set up a new company to directly manage the development, production and sale of its perfumes and cosmetics, chief executive Alfonso Dolce said on Monday.
The move to bring in-house a multi-million business, which is key for many fashion houses but often managed through licensing, is the first by an Italian luxury group.
“We are thinking of a business model which could see tie-ups and partnerships with our producers,” Dolce told Corriere della Sera’s L’Economia financial weekly.
He added that the move was part of a “long-term strategy which sees us committed to consolidating, cultivating and promoting Italian artisanal and manufacturing excellence.”
Fashion brands have always branched out into high-end beauty products in a bid to diversify their products and widen their customer base.
A licensing agreement with Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido terminated in December.
The new company will kick off with a