Hearing before the X Committee of the Chamber of Deputies (Productive Activities, Commerce and Tourism)

The European Parliament, with its resolution of June 1, 2023, outlined a strategy that will guide future legislation on sustainable and circular textile products.

A central point of this strategy is the fight against fast fashion. Europe is calling for an end to a production model based on short-lived garments, sold at low prices and quickly turning into waste — spreading the idea that clothing is disposable. Italian tailoring represents the exact opposite: it creates custom-made garments designed to last, repairable and passable from one generation to the next, far removed from the logic of waste. A handcrafted garment is not made for rapid consumption, but to accompany a person through life.

The European Parliament’s resolution calls on us to make the entire textile sector more circular, more transparent, and fairer. Italian tailoring is ready to make a unique contribution because it already embodies a synthesis of quality, durability, respect for materials, and attention to the individual. But to turn this potential into a true competitive advantage, we must recognize tailoring education as part of the academic system, enhance the link between tailoring, culture, and local heritage, strongly support the sector’s internationalization, and complement the fight against fast fashion with incentives for quality and longevity.

Under these conditions, tailoring will not only continue to preserve a great tradition but also become a leading force in Europe’s new strategy.