Italian fashion designers Domenico Dolce and
Stefano Gabbana, the men behind Dolce & Gabbana
were today June 19th sentenced to 18 months in prison
by an Italian court after being found guilty of tax evasion. They were
also fined €500,000.
That’s more
than a fashion season and a grim prospect for the pair that—if they
can’t beat it on appeal—will have to leave their nearly 30 year old
D&G enterprise for a time. It is sad news if you’re a fashionista.
Dolce and Gabbana have not commented on their sentences, which have been suspended pending their appeal.
The investigation by the Italian authorities began around six years ago as part of a government plan to crack down on tax avoidance.
Much more, it’s a cautionary tale to many high profile businesses and individuals around the world. Taxes are everyone’s business now. The days of a slap on the wrist or a fine may be over even in countries where such activities seemed all but encouraged.
Just like Martha Stewart did when she came out of prison for Tax Evasion, I can envision this Jail term making them more popular than Stewart got after the Jail term.
Thus, take heart, D&G, the world loves you. Besides, even if your appeal fails, just imagine the previously untapped market. The pair could likely do amazing things with orange jumpsuits or striped outfits. Martha Steward did.
The investigation by the Italian authorities began around six years ago as part of a government plan to crack down on tax avoidance.
Much more, it’s a cautionary tale to many high profile businesses and individuals around the world. Taxes are everyone’s business now. The days of a slap on the wrist or a fine may be over even in countries where such activities seemed all but encouraged.
Just like Martha Stewart did when she came out of prison for Tax Evasion, I can envision this Jail term making them more popular than Stewart got after the Jail term.
Thus, take heart, D&G, the world loves you. Besides, even if your appeal fails, just imagine the previously untapped market. The pair could likely do amazing things with orange jumpsuits or striped outfits. Martha Steward did.
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