Dolce And Gabbana Tax Evasion Fines Could Force Closure

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana may have to close their eponymous  if they are forced to pay the €343.3 million (£296.1 million) fine that they have incurred for tax evasion.

"We will close," said Dolce. "What do you want us to do? We will close. We will not be able to deal with it. It's impossible."

"If we deserved the sentence, there would be nothing to say," added Gabbana. "But we do not deserve it, and so unfortunately we would have to close."

The pair were sentenced to 20 months in prison, as well as the hefty fine, after being accused of tax evasion of up to €400 million (£345.2 million). Recently, they temporarily closed their nine Milan stores after the city's mayor, Giuliano Pisapia, said that the designers should not be allowed to show in Milan's communal spaces because of their alleged crimes.

The End Of D&G?

"We are not going to give in to being crucified like thieves, because we are not," said Gabbana, reportsThe Telegraph. "How could we accept being branded tax evaders? We are good people, we live in Italy and we pay taxes in Italy. We don't pretend to live abroad."