Industry Concerns - Luxury-goods supply chains probes by Milan prosecutors threaten the "Made in Italy" brand [1] Company Stance - Tod's Chairman Diego Della Valle pushed back against Milan prosecutors [1]

Industry Challenges - The luxury industry faces a critical challenge in the declining interest of new generations in pursuing careers as artisans, despite the "Made in Italy" label's reliance on them [1] - Craftsmanship suffers from a low reputation and lacks appealing communication, leading to little social recognition and the perception of it being a career involving "dirty hands" and hard work [1][2] - Luxury brands often prioritize showcasing products over highlighting the artisans behind them, neglecting the importance of human resources in the luxury business [1] Proposed Solutions - The luxury sector needs to change the way craftsmanship is communicated, bringing artisans out of factories to inspire new generations, not just to justify high prices [6] - Companies should create immersive experiences, such as family days, to raise craftsmanship awareness among youth and help them discover the value of creating beauty [7] - Luxury brands must put their artisans in the spotlight, giving them new dignity and recognizing them as the true influencers of their heritage [7] The Power of Storytelling - Storytelling can significantly impact career aspirations, as demonstrated by the surge in young people wanting to become chefs after the release of Junior Master Chef in Italy [5] - The industry needs "a new master bag, a new master yacht" to inspire the new generation [5] The Importance of Human Resources - The most important resources for any luxury brand are its people, their hands, their faces, and their names [1] - Companies should learn the names of their employees and make each person feel unique, recognizing that everyone counts, even those working behind the scenes [1] The Role of Design - Designers are like treasure hunters, able to capture an idea and transform it into beauty [1] - Design and technology come together to create beautiful yachts able to tackle the most extreme conditions [1] The Need for Awareness - Luxury brands must become the driving force behind raising awareness of the fact that artisans are the true creators of beauty [4] - Without forward-thinking strategies, the "Made in Italy" label is at risk [4] The Passion for Creativity - Many artisans initially aspired to different careers but found success and passion in craftsmanship, highlighting the importance of creativity [1] - The passion for creativity keeps the crafts alive, together with family traditions, the quality of the finished product, and the inspirations from others [1] The Lack of Communication - Many managers do not ask their artisans why they love their job [1] - When asked what is the most important resource for any company success, many managers replied the product [1] The Comfort Ti Janata Research - In 2013, Comfort Ti Janata released an interesting research talking about the most desired professions to young people [4] - Craftsmanship only ranked 21st in the most desired professions to young people [5]

Core Insights - The 100th edition of Micam, an international trade show in Milan, reflected a cautious but hopeful sentiment among exhibitors despite ongoing declines in the Italian footwear industry [1][2] Industry Performance - Sales in the Italian footwear industry decreased by 5.6 percent and industrial production fell by 9.5 percent during the first half of the year [2] - The U.S. market is vital for the leather industry, contributing 12 percent to Italy's export turnover, making it the second most important market after France [6] Market Challenges - The unfavorable exchange rate against the euro and increased tariffs are significant concerns for the industry, potentially leading to price increases of 12 to 15 percent [5][7] - Exhibitors expressed uncertainty regarding market conditions, particularly in the U.S., but also identified opportunities for market share growth as competitors exit [9] Strategic Focus - Micam aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises by facilitating connections with potential buyers to enhance their market presence [5] - Brands are encouraged to invest in digitalization, strengthen e-commerce, and diversify international markets to remain competitive [15] Design Trends - The spring '26 season showcased a surge in creative and innovative designs, with brands emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship [16][20] - Emerging designers at Micam highlighted a commitment to traditional craftsmanship while pushing design boundaries, focusing on sustainability and innovation [22][23] Brand Initiatives - Victoria Shoes launched its first pop-up store in Italy to strengthen ties with the Italian market, celebrating its 110th anniversary [13] - Brands like Flower Mountain and Voile Blanche are focusing on innovative materials and designs, with Flower Mountain celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a special capsule collection [17][20]

Industry Figure - Giorgio Armani, a billionaire designer, passed away [1] - Armani established one of the world's most revered fashion labels [1] - He helped define the "Made in Italy" slogan as a sign of quality for consumers [1]