As the famous saying goes, "speak English, kiss French, drive German, and dress Italian". Italy has been renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, sharp tailoring and luxury designs since the 11th century, and the manufacturing and export of fashionable items is an integral part of the country’s economy. To understand more about this unique heritage – as well as its promising future – we spoke to Claudio Marenzi, President of Sistema Moda Italia. Why is fashion so important to Italy? Besides its economic value, it’s also a creative hotbed for expertise and craftsmanship, rooted in centuries of culture and beauty. Italy has always had the taste for the beautiful, with foundations in the early days of the Italian renaissance. Today this tradition is represented by an industry that is to Italy what the automobile sector is to Germany: it’s the jewel in our crown. Fashion is often seen as "frivolous" - is it true that the lives of people in Italy are influenced by fashion in ways they may not be aware of? Tombolo (From the collection of Unioncamere) What do you think drives the industry to continue to produce goods in Italy instead of outsourcing abroad? How is Italy addressing the need to increase the sustainability of production processes to reduce the environmental impact of the industry? How do you see the future of the Italian fashion industry? Explore more on the impact of fashion: Claudio Marenzi is the President of Sistema Moda Italia- Italian Textile and Fashion Federation, President of Confindusria Moda, President of Pitti Immagine, Presidente of Classico Italia, and Presidente of Herno. Share this story with a friend
The Italian fashion, textile and accessories sector is one of the most important in the world for revenue generated, number of people employed, and the number of companies involved. Since March, we have been able to gather the whole sector in Italy into a single federation; Confindustria Moda is made up of 67,000 companies and 580,000 employees, totaling 88 billion euros in annual turnover.
Fashion influences society as much as society influences fashion. It's a close relationship. Fashion gives people the opportunity to express themselves and everyone is free to choose how they do this. The fact that fashion is so important for personal expression and growth is also confirmed by the numbers: fashion is the third biggest industry in Italy, which is certainly nothing frivolous.
How does local manufacturing have a positive impact on local communities?
Local manufacturing creates jobs and wealth that circulates across the country. Investing in local production creates a future for the next generation – it’s really investing in people and the transmission of knowledge and expertise.
How does the impact of fashion vary from region to region?
Italy is a country characterized by strong area specialization, from which stems local excellence. From district to district, the knowledge and expertise can be different, but the importance and the need to protect and support 'Made in Italy' products remains the same.
‘Made in Italy’ in fashion is synonymous with exclusivity. The industries that continue to produce in Italy know this well and focus on the quality of ‘Made in Italy’ products. It’s the know-how and expert craftsmanship that position them in the global market. Producing in Italy is a strategic choice.
The sustainability of the production process is one of the main challenges within the fashion sector. The modern industry demands more and more customized products, business and product sustainability, and a diversified social impact – and these are all issues that we observe in the Italian fashion ecosystem. In Herno, a clothing company that I chair as president, we’ve been investing in sustainability since 2015. Along with Eurojersey and the Radici Group, we presented a "Product Environmental Footprint" project in Brussels that measures the environmental impact of products.
What does the Commissione Sostenibilità Ricerca & Innovazione do?
The Commissione Sostenibilità Ricerca & Innovazione (Commission for Sustainability Research & Innovation) was strongly advocated not only by SMI, but also by Minister Calenda, who was the Deputy Minister at that time. The Commission has set up a single metric of quality and sustainability standards that govern the entire production process. The purpose is to define the guidelines for production standards and supply requirements that the modern market demands.
Success in the fashion industry is not a linear process. Success is based on insights, on creativity, and on innovation. To this end, I hope that the know-how acquired over the centuries, combined with the creativity that characterizes ‘Made in Italy’ products, will continue to make Italian fashion a leader of the global industry. We want the fashion sector to lead in Italy’s growth.
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Certainly! The article you've referenced delves into the intricate world of Italian fashion, highlighting its historical significance, economic impact, societal influence, regional variations, manufacturing choices, and sustainability initiatives. Let's break down the key concepts and information discussed:
Italian Fashion's Importance and Economic Significance
- Historical Roots: Italy's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, sharp tailoring, and luxury designs dates back to the 11th century, rooted in centuries of culture and beauty, particularly evident during the Italian Renaissance.
- Economic Impact: The Italian fashion, textile, and accessories sector is a powerhouse globally, contributing significantly to the country's economy. It encompasses 67,000 companies and employs 580,000 people, generating an annual turnover of 88 billion euros.
Influence on Society and Personal Expression
- Societal Impact: Fashion isn't merely frivolous; it's deeply intertwined with society. It serves as a means of self-expression, influencing and being influenced by societal trends and preferences.
Local Manufacturing and Community Impact
- Job Creation and Wealth Distribution: Local manufacturing in Italy creates jobs and circulates wealth within communities. It's viewed as an investment in people, knowledge transmission, and fostering expertise for future generations.
Regional Variations and 'Made in Italy'
- Area Specialization: Italy's diverse regions showcase unique expertise and knowledge within the fashion industry. Each area specializes in different aspects, contributing to the overall 'Made in Italy' excellence.
Production Choices and Sustainability
- Exclusivity of 'Made in Italy': The industry's commitment to maintaining exclusivity and quality drives the choice to continue producing goods within Italy. Craftsmanship and know-how play pivotal roles in positioning these products in the global market.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Addressing the need for sustainable practices is a critical challenge. Italian fashion businesses are investing in sustainability measures, such as environmental impact assessments and sustainable production processes, to align with modern demands and address social and environmental concerns.
Future Outlook
- Innovation and Creativity: The future success of the Italian fashion industry hinges on innovation, creativity, and the preservation of centuries-old know-how. The goal is for Italian fashion to maintain its leadership position globally while contributing to Italy's economic growth.
Claudio Marenzi's Role
- Claudio Marenzi: As the President of Sistema Moda Italia, President of Confindustria Moda, President of Pitti Immagine, and involved in other significant fashion entities, Marenzi is a key figure shaping the Italian fashion landscape.
The article showcases how Italian fashion isn't just about style and luxury; it's a multi-dimensional industry deeply embedded in culture, economics, sustainability, and societal influences.
