Confindustria Moda and Confindustria Accessori Moda are urging Italy’s fashion industry to fight illegal labor practices — but without the dramatic media coverage that could damage the entire sector. Their message comes after new updates in the caporalato investigations, which now involve 13 more companies, including major brands like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana.
The groups say the industry must protect workers’ dignity and ensure legal, transparent production. They also warn that naming brands too early in an investigation can harm Italy’s global fashion reputation. According to them, international media often misinterpret early accusations, creating unnecessary fallout for the industry as a whole.
Their concern comes at a difficult moment. Since 2021, 23,000 fashion stores in Italy have shut down. Heavy, sensational reporting, they argue, only increases fear and mistrust among shoppers, investors, and suppliers.
Confindustria Moda says it is working closely with authorities. They are developing stronger audits, supply-chain checks, and a unified certification system aimed at promoting legal and ethical production across all fashion manufacturers.
In their final appeal, both associations ask for balance and responsibility. They stress that Italy must tackle illegal practices, but not in a way that turns the issue into a media spectacle — one that could damage a sector that defines “Made in Italy” around the world.
