The Great Italian Tailoring Crisis
Arts & CultureSummary
The article explores the growing crisis facing Italian tailoring, specifically in Naples, a city historically known for its bespoke tailoring–building a suit from scratch. This tradition, recognized for its master tailors and its unique, soft-shouldered suit, is now at risk. Various factors are contributing to this dwindling tradition from a waning interest among younger people, demographic changes, and evolving economic pressures. At renowned ateliers such as Rubinacci, Ciardi, and Panico, say that bespoke tailoring requires decades of apprenticeship, however few young artisans are willing to master the craft. Many societal trends are encouraging entrepreneurship over craftsmanship and acquiring higher education over family-based trade knowledge.
Despite the demand for luxury tailoring from elites, the industry struggles to maintain its supply of skilled artisans. In some tailoring houses, assembly-line methods have been introduced to ensure the trade’s survival, despite diluting traditional craftsmanship. The survival of Italy’s unique tailoring depends on efforts to enhance training programs, attract dedicated apprentices, and preserve the techniques that once defined Neapolitan elegance.