Versace
Let's start with the most natural sibling in spirit. If Dolce & Gabbana is the embodiment of Sicilian passion, Versace is its Milanese counterpart, steeped in mythological power and unabashed luxury. Founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, the house is famous
for its own brand of Italian extravagance. Where D&G draws from Catholic iconography and cinematic romance, Versace looks to Greek mythology, with the Medusa head logo symbolizing a powerful, dangerous beauty. The aesthetic connection is immediate: both houses celebrate the female form with figure-hugging silhouettes and a flair for the dramatic. They share a love for gold hardware, vibrant color palettes, and prints that command attention. If you’re drawn to D&G’s celebration of confident femininity, Versace offers that same energy with a slightly edgier, rock-and-roll glamour. It's less about rustic romance and more about pure, high-octane power dressing. Think of it as moving from a lush garden in Palermo to a gilded palace in Rome—the language is different, but the opulent spirit is the same.
Roberto Cavalli
No discussion of maximalist Italian style is complete without Roberto Cavalli. The late designer's personal motto was famously “excess is success,” a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the D&G worldview. Cavalli built his empire on a foundation of wild, beautiful, and expertly printed textiles. He was a pioneer in leather printing techniques and became the undisputed king of animal prints, transforming leopard spots and zebra stripes from kitsch to the height of jet-set glamour. For the Dolce & Gabbana devotee who adores the brand's iconic leopard print, Cavalli is the next logical step. The house’s DNA is a mix of bohemian freedom and high-voltage sensuality. Expect flowing silk gowns in vibrant animal patterns, artfully distressed and embellished denim, and a general air of sun-drenched, carefree opulence. While D&G’s woman is often a cinematic matriarch or a romantic heroine, the Cavalli woman is a free spirit with a rockstar edge. It’s a slightly wilder, more untamed expression of Italian glamour that shares a fundamental belief that more is, indeed, more.
Moschino
While Versace and Cavalli mirror D&G's sensuality, Moschino connects with its theatricality and wit. If Dolce & Gabbana puts on a grand opera, Moschino stages a pop-art carnival. Founded by the irreverent Franco Moschino and famously carried into the 21st century by Jeremy Scott, the brand has always used fashion as a form of commentary, delivered with a wink and a smile. For the fan who loves the fun and spectacle of a D&G show—the elaborate sets, the storytelling, the sheer joy of it all—Moschino offers a similar experience, filtered through a pop-culture lens. The house is known for its bold graphics, playful motifs, and a tongue-in-cheek approach to luxury, turning everyday objects and cultural icons into high-fashion statements. It shares D&G’s Italian roots and commitment to craftsmanship, but deploys them in service of humor rather than romance. It's the perfect brand for the D&G lover who appreciates the power of a statement piece and isn't afraid to let their clothes do the talking—or, in Moschino's case, tell a very clever joke.
Etro
For a different take on print-heavy maximalism, look to Etro. This Milanese house, founded in 1968 as a textile company, offers a more bohemian and worldly interpretation of the opulent aesthetic. Etro is synonymous with its iconic paisley motif, a starting point for collections that are rich with color, pattern, and texture inspired by global travel and art history. If you are drawn to the intricate, layered, and story-rich patterns in D&G’s collections—the baroque swirls, the ceramic-tile prints—then Etro will feel like a kindred spirit. It's a brand for those who appreciate the artistry of textiles. The look is less overtly sensual than D&G's corsetry and lace, leaning more toward flowing silhouettes, luxurious knitwear, and a kind of intellectual, artistic layering. It's a quieter form of maximalism, but no less impactful. Etro proves that an abundance of pattern and a deep respect for heritage can be translated into a sophisticated, bohemian wardrobe that feels both timeless and deeply personal, offering a perfect counterpoint to D&G's Mediterranean fire.
