Stimoli l'economia

If you're upset by American automakers seeking government bailouts, maybe you should be glad you don't live in Italy, where fashion designers are looking for government cash to stay afloat:

Italy's fashion industry is calling for government help as the global crisis cuts into demand for designer clothes and accessories and the sector's first credit crunch casualty goes into special administration.

Luxury brands have not been spared by the global economic turmoil and the sector has been hit by growing evidence of restrained spending even among the super-rich.

In a senate hearing this week, the head of Sistema Moda Italia, which represents the textile and clothing industry, warned of risks for the sector and called for government help.

"The Italian clothing and textile sector risks falling to pieces under the weight of the international economic crisis," Michele Tronconi, was quoted by Italian media as saying.

"We don't want someone to pedal for us. We know how to ride a bicycle well but at this time a push is necessary."

Yeah, and besides, all that cocaine isn't going to pay for itself, now is it?