Anyone know to what extent to which the Italian gov't encourages (by whatever means) the bespoke or apparel trades?  I take it that it's quite a bit of subsidy?  I've talked to some Italians about it but don't know the extent of the benefits.  With all the talk and articles posted here about the changing of the Row -- all the chains and vulgarity that are sullying that proud street, I wonder if serious gov't subsidy by HM Gov't isn't necessary to preserve it.  Hard to justify to tax payers though, eh?  Still an encouragement of native and traditional artisans along the lines of what HRH has proposed in some of his speeches seems to me a good idea.

Last edited by Horace (2006-11-20 02:35:40)