Fatherhood is serious business. Yes, it can teach us a lot but it sure comes with its fair share of challenges.
It is by definition, of course, a two-sided experience: father on the one hand, child on the other. And with that comes a unique tension between similarities of identity and differences as the child carves their own path. But it’s through that tension — and a lifetime of shared memories — that we’re able to learn the most important lessons of our lives, from those with the power to either change us deep down or reinforce what we already know about ourselves.
And so it is with American father-and-daughter duo Peter and Olivia Culpo: business partners and well-known social media personalities. Olivia was crowned Miss Universe in 2012 and is now a prominent influencer, while Peter is a restaurateur and entrepreneur, fiercely proud of his Italian roots and known for his supporting role in the social lives of his influencer daughters (Olivia has two sisters, Aurora and Sophia, as well as two brothers, Pete and Gus).
We sat down with them at their villa in California on the set of Dolce&Gabbana Beauty for the launch of K&Q, the new artisanal fragrances dedicated to devoted duos, for a no-holds-barred chat about their father-daughter bond.
Olivia Culpo: the daughter
Olivia, what’s your idea of a perfect day with Peter?
It would probably be an amazing vacation in Italy. Where you’d pay for everything, Dad [laughs]. No, come on, of course we’d go halves!
How do you make each other stronger?
What I take most strength from in our relationship — and the most important lesson I've learned from my father — is his commitment to our family. As I grow and move forward in my journey, I realise how the selfish choices are the easiest ones. Now, I’m aware of the huge sacrifices he and Mum both made for me and my brothers and sisters.
What one quality inspires you?
I admire how he always thinks before he acts. We, as his family, always came first. [Turns to Peter] Before you made a decision, I always saw you ask yourself: this thing I’m about to do, that I want to do, is it really the best thing I can do for them and their happiness?
What have you learned from him?
The importance of putting your family first. Both of us love spending time with the people we care about, and we fully appreciate the value of that — we don’t take it for granted.
K by Dolce & Gabbana
Woody and fruity, K is the masculine fragrance by Dolce&Gabbana, dedicated to the spirit of someone who carves their own path with passion and confidence. Created by perfumers Daphne Bugey and Nathalie Lorson using the choicest Italian ingredients, it has a seductive heart of spices and fig milk, even more intense woody base notes and an added dash of hot chilli pepper for a truly unique scent. At the same time, the citrusy head notes bring freshness, evoking memories of summer holidays and family milestones. Designed to work in harmony with Q, Dolce&Gabbana’s new feminine fragrance, it reflects the strength of a dynamic relationship — just like Olivia and Peter.
Peter Culpo: the father
Peter, what’s your idea of a perfect day with Olivia? She mentioned you always do something special for Father’s Day.
You ever noticed how there’s a Father’s Day but no Son’s or Daughter’s Day? I’ve always found that weird. I mean, I wouldn’t be a father if it wasn’t for them. So the perfect Father’s Day for me would be one where, instead of work calls, I had a good cigar, a steak and my family around me.
How do you make each other stronger?
[Turning to Olivia] What gives me strength is watching you succeed in everything you set your mind to. The way you reach for your goals taught me determination.
What one quality of hers inspires you?
You’re a hard worker. I’ve watched you grow and work so hard. Even when you’re tired, you always find the strength to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.
What have you learned from her?
Looking at you reminds me that if we want something, we have to work hard to get it — nothing in life is free. I think that’s something I also taught you. Every day we get up and we both give our best.
Given you said Father’s Day is also Daughter’s Day, what gift would you give Olivia on this special occasion?
She gifted me K by Dolce&Gabbana. She’s told me it’s one of a set with Q, so I think I’ll give her that. Because it’s vibrant, just like her.
Q is the new feminine fragrance by Dolce&Gabbana, whose sensual notes and iconic vivid red packaging express passion, power and seduction. A woody and fruity eau de parfum with zesty head notes of Sicilian lemon, its irresistible freshness is undercut with the brightness of blood orange and vibrancy of jasmine petals, while at its heart is the crisp sweetness of scarlet cherry. The scents are Dolce&Gabbana’s way of reminding us to meet life head-on with the knowledge that whatever happens, we’ll face it together. And, as we learned from Olivia and Peter Culpo’s beautiful relationship, always giving our best.
Discover the perfect Father’s Day gift with K by Dolce&Gabbana
