The announcement followed reports in the British media last
month of a “row” between the glamorous fashion duo — Domenico Dolce and Stefano
Gabbana — and Selfridges over in-store positions.
“Given the unavailability in Selfridges stores of ideal
spaces which could fit with Dolce & Gabbana and D&G brands levels and
expectations, the Group decided to discontinue the distribution of both brands’
collections through the department store,” the fashion duo said in a statement.
“This decision is consistent with the group’s constant work
to always ensure the best expression of brand and to preserve its image.”
British fashion magazine Drapers has reported that
Selfridges, one of the world’s leading department stores, would no longer stock
premium brand Dolce & Gabbana nor its D&G brand from spring 2011 in
order to “refresh its brand mix.”
Selfridges was not immediately reachable for comment.
The department store chain, bought by Canadian businessman
Galen Weston in 2003, had sales up 6 percent to £809 million ($1.25 billion) in
the year ended in January 2009, according to Selfridge’s website.
Dolce & Gabbana, who have recently renewed their
partnership with pop icon Madonna, reported a 13.5 percent drop in wholesale
sales to 1.379 billion euros in the fiscal year ended in March, as the downturn
took its toll on the demand for luxury items.
