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Armani to Challenge Italian Antitrust Ruling Over Ethics Allegations

By  |  August 4, 2025

The Italian antitrust authority has launched a formal challenge against luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani Spa and its subsidiary G.A. Operations Spa, citing concerns over allegedly deceptive claims about ethical and social responsibility practices.

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    According to a statement from the authority, the investigation revealed discrepancies between Armani’s public commitments to social responsibility and the actual labor conditions at third-party suppliers and subcontractors involved in the production of the brand’s leather goods. Specifically, the authority alleges that workers at these facilities—where a substantial portion of Armani-branded bags and accessories are produced—are subjected to conditions that may compromise their health and safety.

    Despite public-facing documents, such as the company’s code of ethics and materials on the Armani Values website, which emphasize a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, the probe indicates that Armani’s supply chain may not fully reflect those ideals. Per a statement from the Italian regulator, the fashion group is accused of promoting an image inconsistent with operational realities uncovered through the investigation.

    Related: Italy’s Antitrust Watchdog Fines Armani €3.5M Over Labor Practices

    In response, the Armani Group has publicly rejected the accusations and announced its intention to challenge the ruling before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR). In its statement, the company said it is approaching the appeal “with the certainty that it has always operated with the utmost fairness and transparency towards consumers, the market, and stakeholders, as demonstrated by the group’s history.”

    The antitrust measure follows a recent legal development in Armani’s favor. The court had previously approved the early termination of judicial administration for G.A. Operations, acknowledging the company’s significant improvements and pre-existing supply chain oversight. The court recognized these systems as instrumental in achieving a high standard of compliance within the designated timeframe.

    Despite cooperating throughout the investigation, the fashion house expressed frustration over what it described as a lack of productive dialogue with regulators. The company stated, “Throughout the year-long investigation, Armani responded to all of the authority’s requests but was unable to establish a constructive relationship aimed at fully understanding the reasons for its position.”

    Source: UK Fashion Network