We are very pleased that we were able to convince British fashion designer, Sir Paul Smith, to serve as a guest author for our brand new Italian Issue. Smith is deeply tied to Italy, and to its fashion and textile manufacturers. Read here why he believes that by choosing a clear direction and identity the country can keep its quality and creatively rich industry alive.
I have a deep history with Italy, both personally and professionally. Amongst many other things, Paul Smith is known for suits and many of those suits are made in Italy, using Italian cloths. Also many of our other suppliers for knitwear and so on are based in Italy. I’m very involved in every aspect of the business and so have long been visiting the factories and familiarizing myself with each stage of the process. I’m also privileged enough to have my own house in Tuscany in Italy which I visit for a month every summer. I’ve been going there for over 20 years and it’s a beautiful and very restful place that I always look forward to going back to.
Italy is a very unique place when it comes to fashion. Italians have style in their blood, they’re born with it. Growing up in Italy, people take what they wear seriously and it’s very normal to be considered in the way you’re dressing and to make an effort. It’s very different to a typical British approach to dressing, which is more individual.
I can find endless inspiration for this country. I always say "you can find inspiration in everything, and if you can't look again." It's very much about not walking around looking at the screen of your phone or spending hours and hours in front of a computer. Go for a walk in your lunch hour and when you're travelling to new places think locally, appreciate different architecture and different colors. Enjoy the wonderful light of Venice or the long shadows in Tuscany it's all about being aware of life on earth and appreciating what your eyes are seeing.
Lucca is a very beautiful place. It is my favorite Italian city... I’m a big fan of cycling and so I love to cycle around the city walls of Lucca. And then I have a home close to the sea that I spend time in every summer. I’ve been going back year after year for a long time. It’s a very special place. The light in Tuscany is like nowhere else in the world.
Going back to Made in Italy, I love it and I really hope it will survive. I really hope so!
The industry has never been more competitive than it is at the moment. It’s always been a very fast-paced business but it feels more so like that than ever before. It was a very different starting a creative business in the ’60s compared to now. There were a lot fewer people fishing from the pond that is the fashion industry. Now it’s incredibly competitive. The advice I’d give is to make sure Italian entrepreneurs is: “Have a clear point of view, after all nobody needs another fashion designer so you have to choose something, stick to it and do your best to stand out!”
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Trade Show
Pitti successfully leads the way
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Company Portrait
The Pecchioli family: The Medicis of fashion
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FAQs
Made in Italy is a merchandise mark indicating that a product is all planned, manufactured and packed in Italy, especially concerning the design, fashion, food, manufacturing, craftsmanship, and engineering industries. Made in Italy brand.
When can you say made in Italy? ›
The “Made in Italy” declaration can be legitimately used for goods wholly obtained in Italy or that underwent their last substantial transformation (i.e. the process of making a final product have a composition and specific properties that it did not have before) in Italy, even though the single materials come from one ...
What does made in Italy mean on clothing? ›
What exactly does “Made in Italy” mean in the fashion industry? For decades, a “Made in Italy” label has signified high quality and internationally praised style. Brands across the globe flock to Italy to have their pieces made by the best in the industry.
What is a made-in-Italy product? ›
The 100% Made in Italy certification (or 100% Italy, entirely Italian, etc), is awarded only to products which, in addition to being Made in Italy according to the current law, are truly designed, engineered, processed and manufacture in Italy.
Why is made in Italy so popular? ›
The term “Made in Italy” has become synonymous with quality in the minds of consumers worldwide for decades. This is partly due to the reputation it has sustained through establishing itself as a destination for quality manufacturing across all industries including fashion, automotive, and more recently, beauty.
Does made in Italy mean quality? ›
Made in Italy is synonymous with Made with Quality. Italian items are known for being crafted for durability and beauty.
Where did made in Italy come from? ›
"Made in Italy" is a merchandise mark that developed in the course of the twentieth century to indicate that a product was completely designed, manufactured and packaged in Italy. It is one of the most well-recognized "brands" in the world.
What is made in Italy requirement? ›
Products presented and marketed as "100% Made in Italy" must be planned, designed, manufactured and packaged by the seller exclusively in Italy and you must ensure the products comply with all of the legal requirements relating to use of the phrase "100% Made in Italy" denoting the products' origin.
Why is made in Italy expensive? ›
Production Costs: Italy generally has higher production costs compared to some other countries due to factors like labor costs, stringent labor laws, and operational expenses. For example, Italian workers may earn higher wages and benefits compared to workers in other parts of the world.
Is Made in Italy Jewelry Real? ›
Some of these precious adornments are made of yellow gold, but one could easily find authentic jewelry made in Italy made using white gold, platinum or silver. Most jewelry coming from this country is commercialized as 18kt gold or higher, and bares the 750 European markage, which measures the fineness of the material.
Many of the major Italian fashion brands, such as Valentino, Versace, Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Iceberg, Missoni, Trussardi, Moschino, Dirk Bikkembergs, Etro, and Zegna are currently headquartered in the city.
What is the made in Italy mark? ›
THE CERTIFICATION
Goods displaying the 100% Made-in-Italy certification marks can be considered true Italian products. Only retailers displaying shop window plastic films, shop windows signs and price labels with the 100% Made-in-Italy mark can be officially authorised to sell real Italian products.
How to tell if something is made in Italy? ›
If you want to be sure that what you bought is really Italian you must choose a product featuring a True Italy™ Tag or Label (see an example on the right). You can easily recognize it because of its logo and two additional basic information: the Authenticity Code and the Serial Number.
Is Gucci cheaper in Italy? ›
Yes, so coupled with a VAT refund it should be even cheaper. With current conversion rates, that price in Euros is about $1,900, making the bag $400 cheaper in Italy.
How Italian do you have to be to be made? ›
To become "made", an associate first must be Italian or of Italian descent and sponsored by another made man. An inductee will be required to take the oath of omertà, the Mafia code of silence and code of honor.
