As was widely reported in March this year, during an interview with *Panorama *magazine, designer Domenico Dolce (of 'Dolce and Gabbana') aired his views on IVF, describing in vitro babies as 'children of chemistry' and 'synthetic children'.
His comments sparked worldwide outrage, namely from Sir Elton John, who took to Instagram to convey his anger.
'How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic',' Sir Elton wrote. 'And shame on you for wagging your judgemental little fingers at IVF – a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfil their dream of having children. Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again. #BoycottDolceGabbana'.
At the time, Dolce refused to retract his comments, but in the September issue of *Vogue – *after a period of what he describes as 'soul-searching' – the designer has now apologised. 'I am so sorry,' he said. 'It was not my intention to offend anyone.'
'I’ve talked to Stefano [Gabbana, his business partner] a lot about this,' he continued. 'I’ve realised that my words were inappropriate, and I apologise. They are just kids. You don’t need labels, baby labels.'