Like much of the Italian economy, the Carlo Barbera factory is struggling and for reasons, according to academics, that say just about everything you need to know about what ails Italy.
Luciano Barbera in the 'spa' of his factory near Biella, Italy. This area is a high-humidity area where the fabrics are "rested" after being stressed by the weaving process. (NYT Photo)
Stored fabric in the factory. At roughly 41 euros a meter ($48.75 a yard), the average price of the fabric that the Carlo Barbera factory produces today is almost double that of competitors in the area. (NYT Photo)
In the late '90s, the mill enjoyed record annual sales of what amounts to about $15.5 million, Mr. Barbera says. Last year, the figure was half that sum. (NYT Photo)
Mr. Barbera with his daughter Carola in their design studio. Mr. Barbera says that the "Made in Italy" label is used too loosely, diluting the national brand. (NYT Photo)
