I think the fact that it's impossible for traditional Italian producers to survive is equally, if not more, troublesome. Then I am in Europe.I hope people reads this comment. And will have a different take in the industry.
I am not so sure why it matters to consumers where it is made. But, "Made in Italy" is a commercialised term similar to words like "organic". There are really no strict governance on using the word/phrase. And, there are many shortcuts to allow a brand to label it as "Made in Italy". For instance, some of the brands that are "Made in Italy" have parts made in China or other developing countries. In fact, Bottega Veneta had the weaving done elsewhere. So be aware of tactics. Over the years, marketers had mastered the art of manipulating the value of "perceived quality". Its important to know the world is made up of "GREED". In fact, more than 70% of the factories in Italy is either owned by Chinese or employed with Chinese, usually with a factory presence in China to enable them to label their products as Made in Italy. This makes it impossible for traditional Italian producers to survive. This of course incurred higher cost and usually paid by the consumer.
But anyhow this means it really proves that it does not really matter where it is made and anyone regardless of race can make a handbag... Honestly, it is just a handbag and we are all humans regardless of race.
I find it important to be more aware in order to stay away from the traps that marketers built... Unless you don't mind paying overpriced item.
Why should it not matter where something is made, and by whom? If I buy a beautiful traditional Ethiopian woven basket from ex. Salem's Ethiopia http://www.salemsethiopia.com/index.html , I would definitely want it to be made according to that country's traditions, by Ethiopians and for the Ethiopian ladies who make them to benefit from the sale. It's their livelihood. Just as I think it's important that the bag I buy from a European fashion house should be made in Europe by European crafts people. It's their livelihood. It's not racist. Greedy companies and share holders are making this impossible in Europe though. We're paying high enough prices for our bags. And yes, I know that Made in Italy on a Bal bag, does not equal made by Italians. But it should.
I know China is rocketing in to capitalism but I would think that having such an amazing rich history and ancient culture, that they'd have the will, pride and drive to invent and create inspired from this unique heritage and not be known as the nation of mass copiers of the West. At the same time, greedy Western companies who relocate to China with all that this entails concerning having to "share" company intel etc only have themselves to blame.They obviously do this willingly, it can not be blamed only on China. It's a globalist greed issue. For full disclosure, I don't think this should even be allowed. I'm not an open borders advocate.