Dolce and Gabbana [Photo/Agencies]

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Italian icons Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana are close friends of the former Spice Girl, but admit they don't rank her in the same league as designer John Galliano and think her business is similar to high street brands like H&M.

Speaking at the Glamour of Italian Fashion event last on Wednesday at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Gabbana said: "She's a friend. She make a good job but ... for us, she don't make the same way like a fashion designer.

"She become after many, many, many different things. She's a designer but..."

Asked to clarify if he is a fan of Victoria's designs, Gabbana replied: "She's a fashion designer but it's another... it's different. John Galliano is a designer... Alexander McQueen."

Dolce explained that "Victoria Beckham, Zara, H&M" were "professional" designers and claims Italian fashion and British fashion are "completely different".

He said: "[Italian fashion is] more cool, more trendy."

Gabbana also praised Vivienne Westwood, describing her as "one of the most important fashion designers in the world."

Meanwhile, Victoria, 39, continues to build her fashion empire and is due to open her first flagship store in London this year.