A transnational fast fashion industrial district: an analysis of the Chinese businesses in Prato

Gabi Dei Ottati

Cambridge Journal of Economics, 2014, vol. 38, issue 5, 1247-1274

Abstract: After World War II, Prato (in Italy) became known for the extraordinary development of its textile industry. The development was extraordinary due to its size and because it was based on small firms, the study of which contributed to the rediscovery of the Marshallian industrial district. In recent decades Prato has become increasingly known for the rise of the largest agglomeration in Italy of Chinese immigrants’ businesses specialised in fast fashion clothing. Despite the attention devoted to this phenomenon, how and why the Chinese in Prato were so successful remains somewhat of a mystery. This paper explores the case of the Chinese in Prato, considering first their influx into the district as subcontractors and then their transformation into final producers of pronto moda. The paper focuses on the causes of these immigrants’ exceptional development and on the possible consequences of this evolution for the future of Prato in the new global economy.

Date: 2014
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