Cosmetics Sector Could Boost Italy's Cultural and Creative Industries
Stefano Monti argues that the cosmetics industry should be included in Italy's Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) cluster. Currently excluded despite its deep ties to fashion, cinema, and art, cosmetics generated €16.5 billion in revenue in 2024, over half from exports. Monti highlights historical and contemporary connections between cosmetics and art, from Boucher's Madame de Pompadour to Warhol's Marilyn Monroe and Cindy Sherman's clowns. Benedetto Lavino, president of Cosmetica Italia, calls for a strategic pact to simplify regulations and reduce energy costs. Including cosmetics could significantly increase ICC total revenue, boost exports, foster structured cooperation between value chains, attract capital, and enhance employment and training opportunities. Monti is a partner at Monti&Taft, specializing in management and economic consulting.
Key facts
- Cosmetics sector in Italy reached €16.5 billion in revenue in 2024.
- More than half of cosmetics revenue comes from exports.
- Benedetto Lavino is president of Cosmetica Italia.
- Lavino calls for a strategic pact to simplify regulations and reduce energy costs.
- Cosmetics is currently excluded from the ICC cluster.
- Monti cites historical art connections: Boucher's Madame de Pompadour, Warhol's Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Sherman's clowns.
- Including cosmetics could increase ICC total revenue and exports.
- Stefano Monti is a partner at Monti&Taft.
Entities
Artists
- Cindy Sherman
- Matthew Barney
- Andy Warhol
- François Boucher
- Tamara de Lempicka
Institutions
- Cosmetica Italia
- Monti&Taft
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy