ITALIAN design duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have teamed up with Bacardi’s vermouth brand Martini to launch their very first co-branded drink.

This is a rare move for the designers, who rarely diversify from the realm of fashion in their endeavours.

Domenico and Stefano have designed and tasted the drink, which is set for its unveiling during the upcoming Milan menswear fashion week, said representative from Dolce & Gabbana on Thursday.

“As a result of a joint commitment, this new co-branding project strengthens a partnership started more than 10 years ago,” said the fashion house in a statement.

Unlike other luxury fashion brands such as Armani, who has branched out into cosmetics and hotels to tap into a wider client base amid the economic downturn, Domenico and Stefano have remained cautious.

The Martini venture marks the debut of Dolce & Gabbana in the spirit industry and is only their second co-branded product since the launch of a mobile phone with Motorola in 2006.

As part of this latest partnership, bars have opened at their Milan and Shanghai stores stocking the special edition vermouth drink. Barcardi will produce and sell the drink to the public as well.

Find out what's hot in the world! Get the latest fashion in your email! Join our newsletter: