The fashion industry is perhaps the largest, most influential enterprise in world cultural societies. With the ability to shape attitudes and social status, fashion has become a major social issue as it dictates the status, image and perception individuals have about themselves, others and cultures. Italy is a focal point of the fashion industry and “Made in Italy” is an industry in itself.

The fashion industry has tremendous power to control what people see, feel and think. 

What is the fashion industry doing in promoting and elevating the status, image and perception of individuals and cultures? Are these businesses comprised of values-centered leaders who are capable of promoting ethics and enhancing the well being of humankind? 
How does the fashion industry contribute to the enhancement and creation of corporate social responsibility – values-based corporate citizenship – that adds to the “bottom line”?

 

Over the past several years, the fashion system has partnered with non profits in sustainability and global social caring efforts, such as AIDS awareness and research, social justice, and saving the environment.

Successful companies are those that hold corporate social responsibility as an attitude that starts with the company’s vision and mission and with a deep understanding of the social impact of each of the company’s actions. As consumers change their perceptions of brands because of respect or diminishing respect for culture, corporate social responsibility must be a part of a business’ corporate culture. Issues management problems must be solved through sincere and honest efforts of good citizenship.