Is MADE IN ITALY a thing of the past?

[Bull's Eye]

Hi guys,

What do you think? True or false?

http://www.shoppingblog.com/blog/929051

[bakeacookie]

Quote:

"What do you care where I make my shoes?" says Prada Group NV Chief Executive Patrizio Bertelli.

Because we're paying for them. To think that we're willing to pay the prices for their products, that they'd keep making them the way we like it. And we like to see Made in Italy, more than we like to see Made in Turkey or Made in China. Especially at that price point.

I miss seeing things that aren't Made in China. There are people in other parts of the world who need jobs too. Not just China.

[MACsarah]

I still have goods made in Italy. From bags, shoes, and denim. LOL @ the quote above.

[Mimster]

I think it is true that some high fashion houses source out their products. It is not unexpected as long as PROFIT is top of mind for the shareholders/owners then the move to have products made/assembled elsewhere (cheaper labour, cheaper materials) is a given.

Every industries have done so for decades so I'm not surprised. If you read Dana Thomas, "Deluxe" http://www.amazon.ca/Deluxe-Dana-Tho...6494093&sr=1-1 , she goes into details as to why some fashion houses do this.

What I think is a shame is the denial of some fashion houses that they do this.

[chloehandbags]

Quote:

"What do you care where I make my shoes?"

How rude!

Yes, exactly bakeacookie, we care because we're apparently expected to pay through the nose, more than ever, for them; despite the quality going down and the place of manufacture being cheaper.

It's amazing to me that bags are 2 or 3 times (sometimes even more!) expensive than the Italian-made ones were 5, or 6, years ago and yet, still, that isn't enough to make them in Italy?

Maybe that's because they are all sold on sale? But if they weren't so ridiculously expensive, in the first place, maybe more of us would pay full price for them?

I, for one, won't pay as much for an item at the end of the season, as I would have at the beginning; had it been fairly priced for its quality, then.

Here's a wild idea, luxury brands and stores - accept that we're in a severe recession/depression and price your goods accordingly, without lowering the level of quality from where it was 6 years ago (even if that means that your profit projections aren't so high!) and then, hopefully, you'll regain some of your, once loyal, customer base, ready for the recovery.

Or, you could carry on as you are now, pushing up the price, pushing down the quality and the location of manufacture and continuing to alienate your former customers by selling most of your goods at 70% - 90% off, often to eBay resellers; because your real former customers cant be bothered to fight over a sale table, for goods that, even on deep discount, still often aren't actually bargains for their quality!

[Vintage Leather]

That quote bothers me very deeply "Why do you care where we make our shoes?"

I care because I don't believe in exploitation and sweatshops.
I care because I believe in centuries-old craftsmanship.
I care, because I want to believe what is written on the label.

I probably wouldn't have as many problems with Made in China if I knew that China had standards in place to 1) keep lead off of toys, plates, silverware. If China had standards to make sure 2) I was buying what I thought I purchased - I don't want to buy Prada shoes or bags with cat or dog hair accents. (remember the faux-fur jackets?). If I was able to know 3) that the people who make my shoes are paid a living wage, and 4) that they actually know how to make shoes. I hate to say it, but small mistakes are critical when it comes to shoes. And that brings me to 5) that I'm not buying a factory second for full price. Like I said, you can tell when there is a small mistake.

I wouldn't have a problem if the label was Made in Japan, and strange as that might be. I believe in Japanese craftsmanship. But I think in Japan, people might insist on earning a living wage.

Also, manufacturing in an area known for making counterfeits just makes better counterfeits. It completely undermines your label and your design house.

[chloehandbags]

Originally Posted by Vintage Leather

That quote bothers me very deeply "Why do you care where we make our shoes?" I care because I don't believe in exploitation and sweatshops. I care because I believe in centuries-old craftsmanship. I care, because I want to believe what is written on the label. I probably wouldn't have as many problems with Made in China if I knew that China had standards in place to 1) keep lead off of toys, plates, silverware. If China had standards to make sure 2) I was buying what I thought I purchased - I don't want to buy Prada shoes or bags with cat or dog hair accents. (remember the faux-fur jackets?). If I was able to know 3) that the people who make my shoes are paid a living wage, and 4) that they actually know how to make shoes. I hate to say it, but small mistakes are critical when it comes to shoes. And that brings me to 5) that I'm not buying a factory second for full price. Like I said, you can tell when there is a small mistake. I wouldn't have a problem if the label was Made in Japan, and strange as that might be. I believe in Japanese craftsmanship. But I think in Japan, people might insist on earning a living wage. Also, manufacturing in an area known for making counterfeits just makes better counterfeits. It completely undermines your label and your design house.

Excellent points.

Of course, even when items are made in Italy, there are still Italian-made superfakes, so it doesn't get rid of the 'better' fakes, altogether, but it certainly reduces the number.

[HandbagLuvr]

I have some made in Italy shoes, bags, and jeans. They are from several years ago though. Even when a Chinese factory has quality that is on par with Italy the perceived quality from the consumer's point of view is less. The last retailer I worked for had a line made in Italy and then moved production to asian countries. The customers noticed (only because of the tag not about the quality) and complained. Prada will just have too see how their customers respond to this change.

[Vegas Long Legs]

I have alot of stuff made in Italy. Some of it purchased last year.
Its top quality, made by true artists. Just doesn't have what many think is a necessity, a designer label. Having a designer label means minimal to me.

[Jayne1]

Originally Posted by Vintage Leather

That quote bothers me very deeply "Why do you care where we make our shoes?" I care because I don't believe in exploitation and sweatshops. I care because I believe in centuries-old craftsmanship. I care, because I want to believe what is written on the label. I probably wouldn't have as many problems with Made in China if I knew that China had standards in place to 1) keep lead off of toys, plates, silverware. If China had standards to make sure 2) I was buying what I thought I purchased - I don't want to buy Prada shoes or bags with cat or dog hair accents. (remember the faux-fur jackets?). If I was able to know 3) that the people who make my shoes are paid a living wage, and 4) that they actually know how to make shoes. I hate to say it, but small mistakes are critical when it comes to shoes. And that brings me to 5) that I'm not buying a factory second for full price. Like I said, you can tell when there is a small mistake. I wouldn't have a problem if the label was Made in Japan, and strange as that might be. I believe in Japanese craftsmanship. But I think in Japan, people might insist on earning a living wage. Also, manufacturing in an area known for making counterfeits just makes better counterfeits. It completely undermines your label and your design house.

Excellent points.

It's so funny, I remember many years ago, when "Made in Japan" was considered substandard or at the very least, cheaply made. Now, when I see something old of mine (such as old flatware) that reads, "Made In Japan" I think it must be worth something a lot more than the "Made in China" stuff we get now.

The new things that are made in Japan are very cool and impressive and I wish we could get these items here.

[one fifty]

ITA about the points regarding made in China: lead, animal furs for 'faux fur', questionable conditions, rampant counterfeiting.

Bertelli's comments were rude I'm not a big Prada fan but won't ever buy Prada after reading that arrogant remark. Prices certainly haven't come down to match those lowered costs of production! In Dana's book she also talks about how many "made in Italy" or France items are really just having the buttons or handles sewn on there after the whole bag or garment was produced in China anyway, the European labeling laws allow this.

[BgaHolic]

I'll tell ya, I've got an itch to buy another bag, but after reading all this information, I can't justify buying another premier designer bag without truly knowing its origin. ITA with Chloehandbags!!

I guess I was one of those rare "eccentric" people who was willing to spend the difference to get an extraordinary handmade bag from Italy. Italy was always known for their fine workmanship and for anyone to say it doesn't make a difference where they buy their bags, garments, shoes, etc. is mindboggling to me! Gone are the old days when "things" were made in our country and to buy a fine import from Italy was considered a rich luxury!

[BgaHolic]

The day Gucci is made anywhere else but Italy - I am outtahere!

[Jahpson]

^ pack your bags lol

yea that comment wasn't very smart. what do you mean why do I care? hello? I'm the one shelling out the dollars!!!!!

[mmmsc]

I read an article that said most of the "made in Italy" goods (including Prada) are actually made in their factories in China. Then they are shipped to Italy where the last buckle or some detail is put on, so they can claim "made in Italy." There is a huge part of Florence that consists of Chinese workers. This is the way of the world now - all the goods are made in China, like it or not. Because China has the labor prices that make it worthwhile. But they must have skilled workers to pull it off?