"Made in Italy" What the Iconic Label Really Means
There’s something about “made in Italy” products that’s pure magic. From leather belts to fresh-made pasta, wine to sports cars, if it’s produced in Italy, it’s special. But where did this reverence for Italian-made goods come from? There’s not one clear point in time when the world became fascinated with Italian products—some claim that it started with the Renaissance, and others credit the 1950s and 1960s, when films like Roman Holiday dazzled the world with romantic portraits of the European country (and its fashion). Perhaps a better way to think about it is, why have Italian products been so highly regarded for so long? Having worked in Italian fashion for 25 years, we have a good idea of what’s really behind that “made in Italy” label.
1- Attention to detail.
As one Italian designer puts it, “There are many stereotypes claiming that we are very picky when stating how Italian food has to be prepared. And I’ll admit we actually are!” That know-how and determination to get every little thing just right is also apparent outside the kitchen—and particularly evident in the world of Italian apparel manufacturing. No sloppy stitching or corner-cutting allowed. For many, the country’s reputation for impeccable craftsmanship is a point of pride, and not something to be taken lightly.
2- Quality materials.
You can’t achieve true elegance with subpar materials. Italian leather, Italian wool, Italian silk—all of these textiles are well-known because they’re well-made. Especially in today’s world, where fast fashion and inexpensive fabrics are all too common, Italian goods stand out because of their quality fabrics. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Florence, and you’ll find street vendors offering bags that will probably outlast anything you can buy in a mall, for roughly the same price. Italian manufacturers also keep up with trends and changing societal values, and many now offer less traditional fabrics (like vegan leather) and sustainably produced materials.
3- Craftsmanship you can trust
Over the years, we’ve seen what happens when brands try to cut costs by working with factories offering unbelievably low rates—the samples are beautiful, but the final product is sub-par. While it’s not impossible to get a cheaply made product in Italy, it is rare. More than anywhere else, Italian manufacturers are passionate about what they do, and they don’t want their names tied to anything that isn’t well-made.
4- A reputation for luxury.
Like Switzerland and watches, Italy has a reputation for producing premium products—think Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Giorgio Armani, or Ferrari and Lamborghini. “Made in Italy” is essentially a brand in itself, and the common thread between many of the biggest names in luxury. According to a 2019 Forbes article, “Luxury makes up for around 40% of the total worth derived from the ‘Made in Italy’ label and is an element of constant attraction for customers all over the world.”
5- History.
Today, Milan is home to one of the “big four” fashion weeks. But Italy has a long history as a fashion and textile leader. During the Renaissance, artisan guilds in Florence started producing highly specialized, handcrafted goods worn by city leaders—including baskets, leather, and brocades. That appreciation for well-made materials apparently stood the test of time, and after World War II, the mom-and-pop shops that were (and to an extent, still are) the backbone of the Italian textile industry helped restabilize the country’s economy. Shortly after, in the 1950s, American filmmakers began shooting blockbuster hits in Rome, which led to the city earning the nickname “The Hollywood on the Tiber,” as well as a fanatical desire for Italian fashions. This overly simplified history lesson adds up to one important point—Italy has been known for quality fashion for a very long time, and that’s part of what makes “made in Italy” apparel, fabrics, and accessories so exceptional.
