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Fashion, culture and politics in Italy: a systemic vision needed

opinion-review · 2026-04-27

Giovanna Ceolini, the head of Assocalzaturifici, is calling for political backing for the footwear sector, highlighting its connections to both fashion and cultural industries. The piece mentions that fashion, cultural heritage, tourism, and audiovisual production all contribute to 'brand Italia' and influence the economy. An agreement has been established between ENIT and Netflix to boost tourism and audiovisual content in Italy, as research from Netflix indicates that Italian productions increase travel interest. Lucia Albano, Undersecretary of State, urges the government to provide liquidity support to businesses. Additionally, industry groups CNA Federmoda and Confartigianato Moda suggest strategies for capitalization, digitalization, and export. The article points out shared challenges, such as reliance on global supply chains and susceptibility to inflation, advocating for a cohesive political approach for these sectors.

Key facts

  • Giovanna Ceolini is president of Assocalzaturifici, representing industrial footwear companies.
  • ENIT and Netflix signed a protocol to strengthen audiovisual production and tourism promotion in Italy.
  • A Netflix-commissioned study found that exposure to Italian content significantly increases willingness to visit Italy.
  • Lucia Albano, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, stressed the need for government liquidity for businesses.
  • CNA Federmoda and Confartigianato Moda proposed measures for capitalization, digitalization, and export support.
  • A McKinsey report indicates fashion and apparel may be among the hardest hit by inflation, ranking low in consumer priorities.
  • The article calls for a systemic political vision integrating cultural and creative industries.
  • Fashion and culture are currently treated as separate entities by the public sector, with different ministries.

Entities

Institutions

  • Assocalzaturifici
  • ENIT (Ente Nazionale del Turismo)
  • Netflix
  • CNA Federmoda
  • Confartigianato Moda
  • McKinsey
  • Artribune
  • Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze
  • Camera Moda Fashion Trust
  • Accademia Costume & Moda

Locations

  • Italy

Sources