Models present creations by the Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana from the Spring/Summer 2027 men’s collection.Image: keystone
July 16, 2026, 10:04 p.mJuly 16, 2026, 10:04 p.m
Italian police have carried out searches at the headquarters of 11 luxury brands, including Chanel, Bulgari and Etro. The companies are suspected of having hired subcontractors in Italy who exploited Chinese workers.
Other brands under suspicion include Brunello Cucinelli, Moncler, Jacob Cohen Company, Owenscorp Italia, Goyard Italia, F.Vl, Stefano Ricci and Brandart, Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari told AFP. She thereby confirmed a report in the business newspaper “Il Sole 24 Ore”.
The large-scale investigation led by the Milan public prosecutor, which had already uncovered violations of wages and working conditions in Italian ateliers, was expanded to include thirteen major luxury brands at the end of 2025, including Prada, Givenchy and Dolce & Gabbana.
Industry Minister Adolfo Urso campaigned for these luxury giants last year and declared that the reputation of “Made in Italy” was “under attack”.
Unacceptable living conditions
All of these labels are accused of allowing suppliers to use workshops in which Chinese workers were employed in conditions that violated labor laws and were sometimes housed in unhygienic accommodation.
Several luxury brands, including cashmere specialist Loro Piana, were placed under temporary judicial administration in Italy amid concerns about working conditions among suppliers. These measures were all lifted after brands made efforts to better control their supply chain. (sda/afp)