Domenico Dolce was born in Polizzi Generosa (near Palermo, Sicily) on 13 September 1958. His family owned a small clothing business, where Domenico worked from childhood. Stefano Gabbana was born in Milan on 14 November 1962. He studied graphics but soon turned to fashion. After a brief period working as assistant designers, they founded the Dolce & Gabbana label, which had its first runway show as part of the New Talent group in Milan in 1985, upon the invitation of Italian fashion promoter Beppe Modenese.Reinach, Simona. "Dolce & Gabbana." The Berg Fashion Library. The Berg Fashion Library, 2005. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. . In 1986 they produced their first collection, called "Real Women." In 1987 they launched their knitwear line and in 1989 their beachwear and lingerie lines. Beginning in 1988 they produced their ready-to-wear line in Domenico Dolce's family-owned atelier, located in Legnano, Milan. The first Dolce & Gabbana men's collection appeared in 1990. In 1994 they launched the D&G label, inspired by street style and a more youthful look. The clothes were produced and distributed by Ittierre."Dolce & Gabbana." The Berg Fashion Library. The Berg Fashion Library, 2005. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. . Dolce and Gabbana are considered the inventors of a Mediterranean style that draws its inspiration from the Sicily of Luchino Visconti's 1963 film The Leopard and the women of Italian realism, sensual and austere like Anna Magnani, to whom they dedicated a collection whose key element was the 1940s slip. "Dolce & Gabbana." The Berg Fashion Library. The Berg Fashion Library, 2005. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. . Dolce & Gabbana is one of the best examples of the explosion in Italian ready-to-wear that occurred during the mid-1980s. Creativity and versatility, the union of the press and the star system, a range of products and clothing lines, and careful attention to distribution are all elements that contribute to the realization of an integrated system of communication. "Dolce & Gabbana." The Berg Fashion Library. The Berg Fashion Library, 2005. Web. 10 Mar. 2013. . Dolce and Gabbana keep their fashion fun, classy, and timeless which is why they have retained a successful following of celebrities, socialites, and actors.