:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/2KZHFLJNEZENLCX7EBXGYM22JA.jpg "They demand an explanation from Loro Piana for 'exploiting' indigenous communities in Peru and a millionaire company responds.")
On March 13, journalist Marcelo Rochabrún Bloomberg An investigation revealed what's behind the luxury Italian brand's expensive vicuna wool sweaters. Loro Pianaand how its founders encouraged the deregulation of this animal in Peru by investing in reserves and other activities.
This was also focused Unpaid work undertaken by community members A firm of brothers is its only client Pier Luigi Y Sergio Loro Piana (The latter died on December 21, 2013), where less and less is being offered per kg of wool, while the prices of the textile brand are increasing.
Now, Rosabrun also reports BloombergA US congressional affiliate Loro Piana not only sought an explanation from the brand's representatives LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis VuittonThe French multinational is a leader in the luxury goods industry and owns more than 70 of the world's most famous brands, but the company has spoken out about the case as reported by international media.
Robert GarciaFirstly Peruvian-North American CongressmanAntoine wrote a letter to Arnold and Damien Bertrand, Chairman of the Board of Shareholders and CEO of Loro Piana. BloombergIn writing, the maximum deadline is April 29.
“This is clearly exploitation to me, this is a large multinational company owned by some of the richest people in the world. (…) I think it is disturbing that there is no benefit from the great work that is being done here. (…) Despite the success of Loro Piana, the tribe of this region People are in deep poverty,” Garcia said. BloombergAnd details in his letter to the company.
So, according to Garcia's letter, which Rosabrun shared on Twitter, he asked the brand if it could respond to the following points.
- Are the workers direct employees or contract workers in wool collection, which is spun on premises owned by Loro Piana? ¿What are the salary and benefits? To the workers who care for and harvest the vicuñas?
- What factors do you think caused it? Vicuna lucana crop yield decreases? Will your privatized operations impact Lucanas' production level?
- Pier Luigi Loro Piana previously cited mutual benefits for indigenous peoples and the company paying at least US$400 per kilo of Lucana wool. However, the 2023 contract now suggests US$280 per kg. ¿The company has analyzed the impact the price drop would have on Lucana's ability to continue as a supplier in the future. And how will this negatively affect not only the people of Lucana, but also your own business?
- Describe any social good or other charitable contributions to the Lucanas indigenous people in the Andes of Loro Piana.
- What monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the LVMH Group fulfills its stated mission of positively impacting the communities and regions in which it operates?
After the investigation Bloomberg, Loro Piana Congressman Robert Garcia responded to the request, the same media reported, with an email detailing the following:
“We have increased our investments in irrigation, education and infrastructure in Peru in recent years, and we are committed to dedicating additional resources to benefit the local population in the future,” was a brief statement from the Italian brand.
Loro Piana is one of the largest Italian fashion brands, specializing in the creation of luxury accessories. The company was founded by brothers Pierre and Sergio Loro Piana, who were able to bring Peru back to the vicuñas trade.
