Gucci built its luxury reputation on Italian craftsmanship, but its newest $1,000 sneakers break with its 105-year-old tradition with a new label: Made in China. But instead of citing the cheap labor long associated with Chinese factories, the fashion house said it picked a Chinese manufacturer known for its “technological know-how” and ability to meet the brand’s quality standards.
Gucci told Reuters it will keep making its other products in Italy. But unlike the connotation a “Made in China” sticker carried from days of yore, the move to China is the latest signal of Chinese manufacturing moving into Europe’s most storied industries, like high-end consumer goods and cars.
