The Italian Fiscal Police, the ‘Guardia di Finanzia’, have had a recent brush with the worlds of fashion and celebrity in Milan. On 9 April they began questioning two individuals under investigation for, amongst other things, fraud and trademark infringement. Although ostensibly nothing out of the ordinary for this special branch of the Italian police, this time the questioning centred on the celebrity of George Clooney, who is no less beloved in Italy than in other parts of the world.

Having booked one of Milan’s luxury hotels for a fashion show on 20 April, those charged had prepared a collection of 50 dresses, masquerading as Clooney’s personal line. Through their fashion company GC Exclusive, those involved had announced the show, ‘GC Exclusive by George Clooney’, and publicised it in various trade magazines, although the trade mark filed for the line, the signature of Clooney, had never been provided nor approved by the actor.

It has been revealed that one of the individuals under investigation has linked herself with Clooney in the past, and has also been involved in selling counterfeit goods: she has told women’s magazines of a love affair with the celebrity, as well as carried on a business selling fake Rolex watches on the internet.

Meanwhile Mr Clooney, who is reported to have made the initial complaint to police, appeals: ‘If someone tries to sell you clothes or watches based on me, don’t buy them’.