Lifestyle brands

The industry is also looking forward, with more ethical and sustainable brands arriving on the scene

Milan Fashion Week is home to some of the world’s most valuable brands.

Fashion houses such as Gucci, Prada and Dolce e Gabbana continue to lead the way in global style, yet there are tens of thousands more companies operating in the sector.

Many are highly specialised, with artisanal skills in everything from lace to leather passed down the generations, and several have recently been bought by larger brands looking to secure their supply chains as demand from new and emerging markets grows.

The industry is also looking forward, with more ethical and sustainable brands arriving on the scene.

Fashion houses such as Fendi and Armani have even expanded into homeware. They join brands such as Cappellini, Natuzzi and B&B Italia in bringing Italian style into homes around the world.

A little known fact

Italy’s fashion sector turns over more than €80 billion a year, according to the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana .