Italian judicial authorities have launched a significant investigation into labor practices within the luxury fashion sector, with Milan prosecutors formally requesting comprehensive documentation from 13 prestigious fashion houses. The probe centers on allegations of severe worker exploitation at Chinese-operated subcontractor workshops that manufacture products for these luxury brands.
According to judicial documents obtained by The Associated Press, prosecutors are examining instances of what they describe as “heavy exploitations” of Chinese workers within the supply chain. The investigation seeks to determine the extent of the brands’ awareness and involvement in these alleged labor violations through detailed analysis of corporate governance structures, internal control mechanisms, and audit procedures.
The prominent fashion companies under scrutiny include Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Adidas Italy, Missoni, Ferragamo, Givenchy Italia, Alexander McQueen Italia, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent Manifatture, Pinko, Coccinelle, and Off-White Operating. None of these firms have issued immediate public statements regarding the prosecutors’ requests or the underlying allegations.
This investigation represents the latest development in an ongoing series of law enforcement actions targeting labor abuses within Italy’s high-end fashion manufacturing sector. The Milan prosecutor’s office will utilize the collected documentation to assess corporate accountability and determine appropriate legal measures regarding the alleged worker exploitation.
The fashion industry probe follows similar recent actions, including last month’s investigation into luxury group Tod’s and three executives for suspected labor violations, which prompted prosecutors to request a six-month advertising ban. Additionally, April revelations showed Chinese workers at an unauthorized subcontractor producing accessories for Giorgio Armani, further highlighting systemic supply chain concerns within the industry.