Dolce And Gabbana Found Innocent

Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce  have today been found innocent of tax evasion.

The highest court in Italy ruled the two designers - who have spent almost four years attending court appearances and indictments for the charges - not guilty, overturning two previous sentences at lower courts.

"We have always been honest and we are extremely proud of this recognition by the Italian Court of Justice," Dolce and Gabbana said in a straightforward statement following the verdict. "Vive l'Italia."

Dolce & Gabbana

The court took three hours deliberating behind closed doors, WWD reports, to reach the verdict with the five-member jury - headed by president Alfredo Teresi - also clearing the duo's co-defendants. The company's general director Cristiana Ruella; finance director Giuseppe Minoni; and accountant Luciano Patelli were also found not guilty.

The twosome were indicted for alleged tax fraud in 2010 but have always maintained their innocence. In April of this year, the court found them guilty and sentenced each to 20 months in prison but by May they announced their intention to appeal, calling the sentence ´inexplicable.´