Italian Firms Explore Cuban Fashion Market

HAVANA TIMES — Renowned Italian fashion firms are exploring the potential for entering the Cuban market, even with lines specifically created for this country and its commercial characteristics, reports the Ansa Latina news service.

The market research was undertaken through the sponsorship of the Italian-Cuban Chamber of Commerce (CCIC), a bilateral institution recognized by the Ministry of Economic Development of Italy.

The firms Mistral, Met and Via Veneto are seeking to establish themselves in this market, said CCIC president Giannandrea Talato to the local magazine Opciones.

According to Talato, the Mistral company has created a fashion line made just for Cuba, “one with strong identity but that has yet to be approved,” while the Met is making efforts to open an upscale store in the middle of Old Havana.

Meanwhile, the Via Veneto Company, with a similar purpose, is proposing a “price-quality balance” through its selections at its boutique. These are affordable for much of the population, according to the head of the CCIC.