Luxury brands are increasingly acknowledging the craftsmanship and contributions of artisans in developing countries. This acknowledgment, such as Dior’s Mumbai show, recognizes the rising wealth and influence of these nations and their roles in the fashion industry.

Despite perceptions that haute couture is largely a product of Parisian ateliers, many top brands have outsourced significant parts of their production to countries like India, Vietnam, and China for years.

Brands are facing growing demands to credit the skilled workers in these countries. Social media activism and regulatory pressures are compelling companies to disclose more about their supply chains. Regulations are coming into place in the EU to hold large clothing companies accountable for their supply chains, both in terms of human rights and environmental considerations.

The narrative of luxury fashion has long emphasized the allure of a “Made in Europe” tag. However, as the article highlights, many garments might undergo the bulk of their labor-intensive work in a place like India, only to receive finishing touches in Europe. This allows the garment to bear a “Made in France” or similar tag, despite the majority of the work being done elsewhere.

There’s an evident tension between traditional luxury fashion houses that want to maintain the status quo and a more progressive group that advocates for transparency. The latter believes that clarity about the origin of products can help protect workers and ensure fair wages and practices.

The luxury fashion industry is grappling with the contradiction of valuing craftsmanship from countries like India while simultaneously worrying that a “Made in India” label might be associated with lower quality by consumers. This, despite countries like India having rich histories of artistic and craftsmanship excellence.

Many brands, while outsourcing parts of their production, avoid finishing garments in developing countries, allowing them to exclude these countries from their labels. This can involve not mentioning these production points in sustainability reports or even having suppliers sign confidentiality agreements.

Transparency is Inevitable: With increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressures, luxury brands will need to be more transparent about their supply chains.
Reconsidering Value: The industry may need to challenge and reshape consumer perceptions about what “luxury” means and where it comes from.
Empowering Artisans: Acknowledging and valuing the work of artisans globally can lead to more equitable and sustainable fashion practices.
Challenging Traditional Narratives: The emphasis on a “Made in Europe” label may need reevaluation in light of the global nature of fashion production.
This article underscores the complexities of global supply chains in the fashion industry, raising important questions about ethics, transparency, and consumer perceptions.

https://archive.ph/EtmnF#selection-1533.0-2354.1

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