A marketplace enables global brands to make and trade Italian artisanal products

The new platform makes it easy for brands to develop partnerships with Italian craftspeople

Spotted: Italian style has a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and luxury that is in demand across the world. Now, a new platform has made it possible for international businesses to form partnerships with Italian craftspeople more easily – boosting both Italian brands and those located elsewhere. The initiative – called Italian Artisan – operates a marketplace for global brands, providers, and merchants to make and trade ‘Made in Italy’ products.

The Italian Artisan platform acts as a one-stop-shop for companies looking to produce luxury fashion collections in partnership with Italian artisans. Businesses can choose to use their own designs or source others from the platform’s catalogue of Italian manufacturers. Wholesalers can also browse clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, to create their own range of luxury Italian goods.

Unlike other catalogue collections, Italian Artisan features only high-quality 100 per cent Made in Italy products, with an emphasis on ethical production, heritage, and innovation. All producers are vetted and verified before joining the platform, and offer low minimum order quantities, which makes the products affordable for startups and emerging designers and shortens the production period.

The platform does not charge an access fee and can assign a local technical expert to mediate the relationship between buyer and the producer – including managing translation.

As more and more people sour on the waste and environmental damage caused by fast fashion, there is more demand for well-made, long-lasting clothing. Joining the producers of such ‘slow fashion’ are innovative companies aiming to help, and Springwise has spotted a platform rescuing and upcycling unused fabrics, and a designer that turns grape skins into vegan leather bags.

Written By: Lisa Magloff