Feben – rising star of Dolce&Gabbana

With its long-standing tradition of promoting new talent, the Italian fashion house once again champions creativity. This time, Feben—an emerging star at Dolce&Gabbana —is being given a unique opportunity. After supporting the British punk-queer designer Matty Bovan, Japanese fashion artist Tomo Koizumi, and Brazilian designer Karoline Vitto, the Italian house is preparing to elevate a new name to the pedestal of global fashion. Feben Vemmenby, born in Ethiopia and now based in the heart of London, has been chosen by Dolce & Gabbana as the next designer whose talent and vision will be showcased during a special show in Milan. It is at next year’s February women’s fashion week that she will present her collection on the runway of the Italian fashion house.

From the shadow of a former life

Feben Vemmenby had a turbulent childhood. Of Ethiopian descent, she was born in Pyongyang, North Korea, where she spent two years in various refugee camps before reaching adulthood and deciding to settle in Sweden. After this period, she moved to the United Kingdom to begin her studies at the London College of Fashion. Earning a scholarship for a master’s degree in womenswear at Central Saint Martins was a pivotal moment in her life. After graduating, she also joined Newgen, a prestigious support program for emerging designers backed by the British Fashion Council.

Her graduation collection attracted enormous interest in the fashion world. Beyoncé herself personally approached her to design some of her stage costumes. This, in turn, opened the door to further commissions from other clients. And those gave Feben the opportunity to create her own brand, which she now runs with the support of a small, dedicated team. Her reputation has grown not only thanks to her technical skills in textiles, but also due to her bold, colorful creations. She is already recognized as one of the most promising talents of London Fashion Week. And now Feben, the rising star of Dolce & Gabbana, is also getting her chance from the brand itself to create something extraordinary.

What will Feben—the rising star of Dolce&Gabbana—show us?

Continuing its commitment to creative diversity, Dolce & Gabbana turns its attention to Feben, recognizing the potential that deserves acknowledgment. Her unique voice in fashion, combined with ethnic influences and a blend of cultures, serves as an exceptional source of inspiration for the future of fashion. This is also another step for the brand toward supporting diversity, innovation, and empowering young, emerging talents.

Feben’s creativity is energetic, vibrant, and sensual. We truly appreciate her authentic approach and her focus on handcrafted pieces. Her collaborations with artisans from around the world convinced us to support her work,” said Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in a press release. In an unprecedented move, Dolce & Gabbana will oversee every aspect of Feben’s upcoming collection. From sourcing fabrics to producing looks and organizing shows, the Italian brand is taking a hands-on approach to empower the young designer’s artistic vision. This decision highlights not only an aesthetic vision but also a commitment to promoting diversity and a fresh perspective on the future of the industry.