I had written in a Substack article back in February:
I have been told by one US based merchant that he always visits the European factories in person that supply his business, as it has become common for sweatshops to import their low-wage workers and set up the same low quality shop in a European country so they can say their products are made locally (Italy was an example he used where he claimed it was particularly problematic. Your “Made in Italy” handbags are not necessarily products of the generational, passed down skills, of the Italian natives, known for their precision and skill and passion.)
- 3 Warning Signs for an Online Clothing Vendor, Feb 16, 2025 <https://open.substack.com/pub/muffyaldrich/p/3-warning-signs-for-an-online-clothing>
And I just read this in The Irish Times:
“People think ‘Made in Italy’ means you’re getting a long-lasting craft item,” says Caoimhe Grant, a Dublin-based designer and founder of the handbag line, August Night. “But real artisans can’t produce at the speed luxury brands demand. If it’s mass produced, how luxury is it?”
- We’re familiar with the evils of fast fashion. But is high fashion so much better? The Irish Times. <https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025/07/20/rachel-odwyer-were-familiar-with-the-evils-of-fast-fashion-but-is-high-fashion-so-much-better/>
The Italians have done a great job guaranteeing the quality of their food and wine with the DOC and DOP controls. Perhaps they can protect these industries the same way.
ReplyDeleteIt’s much easier to oversee Tuscan vineyards, Umbrian olive groves, and Dolomiti dairies than it is to keep track of “here today, gone tomorrow” sweatshops in suburban Naples.
DeleteThose sweatshops would never be eligible for the designation. The system would reward the companies that have a history of craftsmanship and fairness and would ignore the others.
Delete“Gomorrah” authored by Roberto Saviano will give you an inside look at what’s often behind the “Made In Italy” label.
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent reading recommendation. Roberto Saviano is a very brave man.
ReplyDeleteGold and silver jewelry. There are many small family businesses where the unique craftsmanship has been passed down through generations of jewelry artisans.
ReplyDeleteMade in Italy in recent years definitely has issues. Now do Ireland, perhaps a bigger offender.
ReplyDelete