Italy's artisan producers are under threat

Italy is home to scores of specialist manufacturers, from the smallest haute couture and specialty ateliers, to high-end technology leading factories producing men’s and womenswear, shoes and accessories, exported the world over. Italy’s fashion and accessories sector is a 93 billion dollar industry, one that powers global brands like Gucci and Valentino, but also provides millions of jobs and contributes 1.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.