Articles by Isabella Naef
Isabella Naef has been the Senior Editor of FashionUnited Italy since 2008. She is in Milan and covers fashion and luxury goods, with a particular focus on financial and economic news and sustainability. A dual Italian and Swiss citizen, Isabella graduated in Political Science from the University of Milan. She is member of the Professional Journalists' Association since 2000, contributing to newspapers and magazines. She is passionate about covering the fashion industry during this dynamic period, where sustainability, Gen Z, and artificial intelligence are paving the way for new and exciting chapters in economic, creative, and trend history.
After labour scandals: Italian government mulls regulation to safeguard Made in Italy’s reputation
The Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit), the government body responsible for supporting businesses and local production, is reportedly considering the introduction of a certification system after the brand Loro Piana was placed under judicial administration for alleged workers' rights violations. According to Reuters,...
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Geox names Francesco Di Giovanni CEO, replacing Enrico Mistron
Geox spa has a new chief executive officer. Francesco Di Giovanni is taking the place of Enrico Mistron. In a statement, the Montebelluna-based company announced that Geox and Mistron have reached a mutual agreement to terminate their administrative and subordinate employment relationship, effective immediately. The agreement provides for the...
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Moncler spa: H1 revenues at 1.23 billion euros
Moncler Group achieved consolidated revenues of 1.23 billion euros in the first half of 2025. This represents a one percent increase at constant exchange rates, compared to 1.23 billion euros in the first six months of 2024. The board of directors, led by Remo Ruffini, approved the financial report as of 30 June 2025. Group EBIT totalled 224.8...
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Worse than greenwashing? Lack of or poorly communicated sustainability
At the recently concluded Milano Unica trade fair, 735 exhibitors showcased their new products for autumn/winter 2026/27. What about companies’ progress in terms of sustainability? “Yarn manufacturers have invested heavily in sustainability and made great progress,” Giusy Bettoni, founder and CEO of Class, told FashionUnited. Class, an acronym...
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Former Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri receives honorary doctorate from UCA
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has awarded an honorary doctorate to Marco Bizzarri, former chief executive officer of Gucci and Bottega Veneta. He is also the co-founder of the Milan-based venture capital fund Forel. Through his family holding company, Nessifashion, he invests in fashion, luxury and design companies. He is a member...
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Mergers and acquisitions: PwC says fashion and luxury sector is increasingly selective
Mergers and acquisition operations in the consumer sector are slowing down globally. However, seven mega-deals exceeding 5 billion dollars are boosting overall value. In Italy, 158 transactions were announced in the first five months of 2025. These are some of the findings detailed in the report 'PwC Global & Italian Merger and Acquisition Trend...
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Milan court orders judicial administration for Loro Piana
Another case of labour exploitation involving a luxury brand has emerged. This time it concerns LVMH-owned brand, Loro Piana. A Milan Court has ordered judicial administration for one year for Loro Piana. Frédéric Arnault has been the CEO of the company since June 10. According to Italian news agency Ansa, the measure taken by the judges of the...
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Sustainable sneakers: Materials, production, and the future of footwear
The footwear sector, including sneakers, is incorporating sustainability initiatives, as these products are now a constant in fashion collections and are increasingly worn for various occasions. Sneakers are the focus of research and experimental projects by material producers for sustainable, recyclable, or partially recyclable components....
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Brunello Cucinelli: Revenue up 10.2 percent in first half
Brunello Cucinelli Spa has reviewed the preliminary revenue figures for the first six months of the year. Revenues totalled 684 million euros. This represents a 10.2 percent increase at current exchange rates (10.7 percent at constant exchange rates) compared to the first half of 2024. Across geographical areas, the Americas saw an 8.7 percent...
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Hmoda acquires 60 percent of Manrico Spa
Hmoda (Holding Moda Moda), a subsidiary of Holding Industriale (Hind), an investment company specialising in small and medium-sized Italian businesses, has acquired a 60 percent stake in Manrico Spa, a company specialising in the production of cashmere garments. "With this new transaction, Hmoda further expands its distinctive know-how,...
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