Made in Italy

While is true that there are many capable artisans around the world is also true that craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the Italian culture. It is not by chance that “Made in Italy” it’s been and still is synonymous of quality and unrivalled craftmanship.

In the sartorial world we still have some of the oldest mills and some of the oldest tailoring houses, shoe makers, hats manufacturers and yes even socks factories, that pass their secrets through generations.

Why is this the case? Italy has developed expert processes by organising production in a very distinct and specialised manner, where every step is given the maximum attention and details are fundamental. This is even more so in family-run houses.

The Italian industrial districts

Italy and the Made in Italy is the result of local networks of thousands of small to medium businesses, specialised in specific sectors. 

In these districts, economical-production relationships are inseparable from socio-cultural ones, as they are part of a strong tradition, historically rooted in each territory and that evolves continuously. Specialised districts formed after the war, and developed through the 50s and 60s when the economic boom increased the demand of personal and home products (from shoes to furniture) and affirmed themselves in the 80s.

Each factory is specialized in one or very few production processes of its district: this means that numerous factories collaborate and contribute to an excellent final product. This also stimulates competitiveness and pushes innovation: it’s economical development based on know-how, where the people that are part of it are crucial.

In 2015 Istat (the Italian National Institute of Statistics) identified that in 2011 there were 141 specialised districts in Italy, of which 37 are located in the North West and another 45 in the North East, 38 in the Centre. The “Made in Italy” districts were 130, making 92.2% of all industrial districts. In 2019 the total number seems to have increased to 200.

With each region having in some cases multiple districts with its own specific characteristics, the main sectors are food, furniture, fashion and mechanics. For food, the list could go on forever, as each region has its own very distinctive excellences. 

The furniture sector, for example, is diffused in small areas North to South, with the most famous furniture districts in Brianza (Lombardy) Pesaro (Marche) and more niche productions like the one in Matera (Basilicata). If we consider products for home decor, we can mention the district of cork in Sardinia, the artistic glass production of Murano and home electrics production in Conegliano (Veneto).

Production of fashion goods as we all know is also a strong point for Italy. Almost all Italian regions have a tradition of production for fashion, with most again being in the North, and other main ones in the centre, like the fashion district in Tuscany (in particular for textiles destined to all kind of applications including home furniture, leather and shoes) and the excellent shoe production in Marche and in Campania (that also has an fantastic sartorial tradition).

Made in Italy is the quintessential expression of design, where function meets form and everything combines beautifully. For example, the beautiful combination of features that make our socks not only great-looking and luxurious but also perfectly functional, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

When buying a product that was made in Italy you can trust that it has been made with the highest care, as Italians are proud and passionate about their craft.

sources: www.istat.it