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'Size revolution': the industrial foundations of the Italian clothing business

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  • Elisabetta Merlo

Abstract

From the beginning of the 1950s, how to size clothing became an issue debated within national and international organisations which were committed to the standardisation of the technical specifications of industrial products, clothing included. At the time the Gruppo Finanziario Tessile (GFT), which would later act as the industrial springboard for the Italian fashion, introduced a new system of sizes in Italy. Drawing on the company's extensive historical records, the article deals with the technical, organisational, and cultural nature of the process of standardisation of the sizing of clothing. The research provides new evidence about the emergence of a new competitor within a mature industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisabetta Merlo, 2015. "'Size revolution': the industrial foundations of the Italian clothing business," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(6), pages 919-941, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:57:y:2015:i:6:p:919-941
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2014.992336
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    1. Zamagni, Vera, 1997. "The Economic History of Italy 1860-1990," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198292890.
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    Cited by:

    1. Celetti, D., 2020. "Small Businesses in the Global Market: Evidence from the Fashion System of Vicenza Province (Italy)," R-Economy, Ural Federal University, Graduate School of Economics and Management, vol. 6(2), pages 74-88.

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