Milan Fashion Week Highlights Labor Issues Amid Luxury Brand Showcases

Milan Fashion Week has recently highlighted both the glamour of the fashion industry and its darker underbelly, particularly concerning labor practices. At the Tod's fashion show, founder Diego Della Valle emphasized the company's commitment to artisanal heritage amidst ongoing investigations into sweatshop conditions affecting subcontractors for luxury brands. He stated, "I think we're on the right track," while announcing measures to enhance supply chain transparency, including a new platform for tracing supplier activity and expanded audits. Despite these efforts, many attendees seemed unaware of the serious allegations against major brands like Gucci and Prada, which include claims of migrant labor exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Fashion director Rickie De Sole noted, "I think the integrity of Made in Italy is incredibly important," highlighting a potential consumer concern about ethical practices in luxury fashion (Tribune Latest, February 27, 2026).