The co-founder of Dolce & Gabbana, Stefano Gabbana, has stepped down as chair of the company he set up with Domenico Dolce in 1985.
The fashion house is grappling with a debt pile of around €450m (£391m/$528m) and a downturn in the luxury retail sector, with a slowdown in spending, particularly in China.
Gabbana will hold onto his creative role with the company, shaping collections alongside Dolce and continuing the decades-long partnership between the pair.
The 63-year-old was replaced by Domenico's brother and the firm's chief executive, Alfonso Dolce, on 1 January. Filings show Gabbana told the company of his decision in December.
Dolce & Gabbana has been targeting new markets including hospitality and furniture, where its latest collection offers items such as a leopard-print porcelain vase costing £1,084.
