Dolce and Gabbana row intensifies

Rome - Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have defended the former’s comment that IVF children are like “synthetic babies.” The move has come following Elton John’s campaign to boycott the brand.

In an exclusive interview with CNN on Wednesday, Mr Gabbana commented that his partner “may have chosen the wrong words” before adding “we love gay couples. We love gay adoption. We love everything.”

These comments have come as pressure mounts on the designer label with stars from around the world advocating a campaign to boycott D&G’s products. Elton John, who has two children conceived by IVF with husband David Furnish, has been a particularly staunch critic and launched the initiative after hearing Dolce’s words.

"How dare you refer to my beautiful children as synthetic,” posted the singer on Instagram. “Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana."

Despite Gabbana’s proclamation of love for gay couples and gay adoption during the interview with CNN, the pair stopped short of giving an apology.

"I believe in the traditional family," said Dolce. "It is impossible to change my culture for something different. This for me is democracy. I respect you because you choose what you want. I respect me because I choose what I want... This is just my private point of view.”