The fashion brand names that began in Tuscany to go on and conquer global fame and markets continue to wager on their territory of origin: creating new production sites and programming investments, but also by expanding into other luxury segments outside of fashion. Within just a few weeks of each other, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada announced and increase of their commitments in Tuscany. [This is] a confirmation of the region’s high quality production and of the professionalism of the workers summarized by Gucci’s president, Patrizio di Marco: “ Here in Tuscany – he recently declared to Il Sole 24 Ore – we find the cream of the crop of the sector’s businesses and, despite the market’s difficulties, we employ tens of thousands of people.”

Precisely the fashion house born nearly a century ago in Florence and that is now the reference brand for Kering – the French colossus – announced that, within eighteen months, it will complete the preparations for a 27,000 square meter factory near Florence and the same company – which last year generated a turnover of 3.5 billion – is programming a new production site dedicated to bags and luggage. In recent years, Gucci has adopted an industrial strategy of collaboration with small and medium Tuscan businesses, creating joint ventures that would unite the quality of local artisanal craftsmanship with the technological innovation made available by the large international group’s solidity.

In April, it was Prada, a group quoted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with 3.6 billion in revenue in 2013, who presented an industrial plan for 2014-16 that included the creation of a logistics hub and a production plant dedicated to leather working in Tuscany. Additionally, the company is considering the creation of the Prada Academy in the Valdarno, where it would train 60 young adults every year in the art of the “Made in Italy” production. The total investments approaches 90 million but, to this one must – according to statements made in recent days – add the financing of a connection road in Valdarno superiore [northern Valdarno] (in the Arezzo province) to facilitate connections between the industrial area and national highways.

The initiative that Ferragamo just announced looks to other luxury sectors instead. The family that owns the Florentine maison has decided to invest 100 million Euros to strengthen the tourism offerings of the medieval farmstead in Il Borro, an ancient hamlet in the Valdarno that has been recovered over the years and includes villas, agritourisms, and high-quality cellars [wineries]. The new project includes the creation of a luxury resort through the restoration of existing structures. In addition, renewable energy stations will be built, and uncultivated lands will be restored to activity. 


In partnership with Ilsole24Ore