Italy Fines Armani €3.5 Million for Misleading Ethical Claims

Italy's competition watchdog has fined luxury fashion giant Giorgio Armani €3.5 million (approximately $4 million) for misleading consumers about the ethical and social responsibility of working conditions in its supply chain. Investigations revealed that Armani outsourced much of its bag and leather accessory production to subcontractors who violated health and safety regulations, employed workers illegally, and operated in environments with inadequate hygiene and removed safety devices to increase production capacity. Despite Armani's public promotion of sustainability and ethical standards through its 'Armani Values' platform and ethics code, the authorities found these claims to be untrue and used primarily as marketing tools targeting socially conscious consumers. The watchdog emphasized that Armani was aware of these poor conditions, which seriously harmed the workers involved. Armani expressed disappointment and vowed to appeal the decision, asserting it has always operated with fairness and transparency. This case is part of a broader investigation into labor violations within several luxury brands in Italy, including Dior, Valentino, and Loro Piana.