Articles by AFP
Italy sweatshop probe snares more luxury brands
Italian prosecutors on Thursday named Gucci, Prada, Versace and Yves Saint Laurent as among 13 luxury brands suspected of using subcontractors who exploited migrant workers in Italy, as part of a growing investigation into sweatshop conditions. Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari issued requests for information about alleged abuses by the brands,...
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Hermès heir sues LVMH and Bernard Arnault for 14 billion euros
Fifteen years after his raid on Hermès, Bernard Arnault and his LVMH group are caught up in a saga between two French luxury giants: an heir to the accessories specialist, claiming to have been dispossessed of his shares in the family jewel, is demanding 14 billion euros. Nicolas Puech, 82, a Swiss resident, accuses his former wealth manager,...
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Chinese smart glasses firms eye overseas conquest
In China, AI glasses let the wearer pay in shops with just a glance at a QR code and a voice command, as a growing number of companies look to conquer both growing domestic and overseas markets. Interest in smart eyewear is soaring worldwide after more than a decade of stalled promise, with advances in artificial intelligence sparking a fresh...
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Italy's luxury brands shaken by sweatshop probes
A series of investigations into exploitative work conditions within fashion subcontractors has roiled Italy's luxury industry, with the government decrying attacks on "Made in Italy". Five fashion brands have been put under court administration since 2024 following probes by Milan prosecutors that uncovered worker abuses and a lack of oversight...
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SMCP Group announces sale of over 50 percent of capital
Fashion group SMCP (Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot and Fursac) announced on Thursday the sale of shares representing up to 51.2 percent of its capital. The process is expected to take “several months” and could allow the company “to stabilise its shareholding structure”. Context This announcement follows the forced return of 15.5 percent of SMCP’...
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Amnesty International calls on textile giants to protect workers' rights
On Thursday, the NGO Amnesty International called on global textile companies and the governments of four Asian countries to take action to protect workers' rights and ensure decent wages. In two reports published on Thursday, the NGO states that fashion brands manufacturing in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka must urgently take...
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British designer with punk-rock take on fashion, Pam Hogg, dies
Fashion designer Pam Hogg, known for her punk rock, non-conformist creations who dressed stars such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga, has died, her family announced on Wednesday. Hogg was an iconic figure of London fashion week with her futuristic looks, daring hairstyles and flamboyant outfits that mixed irony, feminism and counter-culture at her...
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Despite doubts over economy, Americans set for record holiday spending
Americans are expected to spend a record amount over the holiday season, despite lingering worries in the world's biggest economy about stubborn inflation, tariffs and the knock-on effects of the government shutdown. "Consumers remain pretty concerned about inflation and, there's no doubt, about where prices are going," Mark Mathews, chief...
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
Irish-American fashion titan Paul Costelloe, who was the late Princess Diana's personal designer for over a decade, has died aged 80, his family said in a statement Saturday. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paul Costelloe following a short illness," his family said, adding he was with his wife and seven children when he died...
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Italy probes Tod's executives over labour exploitation
Italian prosecutors are investigating three executives from luxury fashion label Tod's, as well as the company itself, for alleged labour exploitation, according to a court document seen Thursday by AFP. Milan Prosecutor Paolo Storari had previously requested a six-month ban on the company's advertising, with Judge Domenico Santoro fixing a...
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