Leave it to the Italians to get their priorities straight. Instead of throwing taxpayers' dollars at CEOs and insolvent banks, they’ve decided to line the pockets of fashion’s biggest names. Last month, when the Italian government gave $2.5 billion to its auto makers, Italy's Chamber of Fashion head Mario Boselli (yes, they have a Chamber of Fashion in Italy) cried foul and insisted that the government do the same for its stylish economic counterpart. He told WWD, “I can understand helping the automotive industry but wouldn’t fashion deserve the same, if not more, consideration than the furniture industry?” (“Furniture industry”? Wow, that's sassy.) While the amount of money remains up for debate, the Italian minister of economic development, Claudio Scajola, promised that the first capital injections will occur next month. Needless to say, this makes our country’s fashion elites look almost pitiable as they hope--pray, even--that Michelle Obama gives them an economic boost. Apparently, if this were Italy, all we would need is for Timothy Geitner and Ben Bernanke to don some Ferragamo loafers to get motivated to help the stalwarts of style. Hey, with all the money they’re giving away you never know. If Obama is looking for another cabinet member, I nominate Dianne von Furstenburg for Secretary of Fashion.
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