If you look inside most luxury brand leather products these days, you’ll find a “Made in China” label. Those high prices don’t necessarily mean you’ve purchased traditional Italian craftsmanship. Worse though is that a “Made in Italy” label may not mean what it used to. Products that are manufactured primarily in China may be finished in Italy, let’s say a buckle is put on, and then tagged with the “Made in Italy” label. Also, factories in Tuscany are being staffed with Chinese immigrants, often working long hours and in questionable conditions. That situation at least is truly “Made in Italy”, but perhaps not at the level of craftsmanship that may be assumed from the price. The craftsmen who are keeping the old-style practices alive have to compete with this cheaper labor.