Latest news with #Florence-based
NZ Herald
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Hawke's Bay tenor Taylor Wallbank heads to Italy for opera training
Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. Already a subscriber? Sign in here Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen. Tenor Taylor Wallbank. Photo / Supplied By Three to Seven RNZ Taylor Wallbank likes his opera old school. This month, the young Hawke's Bay tenor embarks on a two-year stint in Florence, Italy, for a programme in opera studies and performance at Opera Mascarade. Wallbank spoke to RNZ Concert ahead of his departure, talking about his opera journey so far and some of his operatic idols. Turns out one of them is the great Carlo Bergonzi. Opera Mascarade is a training programme for talented young singers, mixing the Florence-based study of the craft with work in opera houses around Italy and Europe.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gucci staff in Italy take industrial action over welfare payment dispute
Employees at fashion house Gucci in Italy are threatening strike action, accusing the Kering -owned brand of denying them a welfare bonus, Italian trade unions said on Tuesday. Around 1,000 retail and logistics employees across Italy declared a "state of unrest", the unions said, which under Italian labour laws is a form of industrial action that can lead to strikes. The Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs unions said in a joint statement that they might announce potential action at a later stage. Gucci did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The unions said that Gucci had previously given them assurances regarding the payment of a welfare bonus for 2025, as set out in an agreement for the 2022-2024 period. They claim that this agreement remains valid in the absence of a new deal. However, Gucci now wants to tie the welfare payment to a broader review of incentive schemes for the 2022-24 period, unions said, rejecting the proposal as unacceptable. "The company (...) has only wasted precious time, making a mockery of the workers who dedicate themselves daily in stores and have been waiting, and continue to wait, for the welfare payment," their statement said. Florence-based Gucci is Kering's star brand, but it has struggled with falling sales in recent years, dragging down the entire French luxury conglomerate which is now pinning its turnaround hopes on new CEO Luca de Meo.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Gucci staff in Italy take industrial action over welfare payment dispute
Employees at fashion house Gucci in Italy are threatening strike action, accusing the Kering -owned brand of denying them a welfare bonus, Italian trade unions said on Tuesday. Around 1,000 retail and logistics employees across Italy declared a "state of unrest", the unions said, which under Italian labour laws is a form of industrial action that can lead to strikes. The Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs unions said in a joint statement that they might announce potential action at a later stage. Gucci did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The unions said that Gucci had previously given them assurances regarding the payment of a welfare bonus for 2025, as set out in an agreement for the 2022-2024 period. They claim that this agreement remains valid in the absence of a new deal. However, Gucci now wants to tie the welfare payment to a broader review of incentive schemes for the 2022-24 period, unions said, rejecting the proposal as unacceptable. "The company (...) has only wasted precious time, making a mockery of the workers who dedicate themselves daily in stores and have been waiting, and continue to wait, for the welfare payment," their statement said. Florence-based Gucci is Kering's star brand, but it has struggled with falling sales in recent years, dragging down the entire French luxury conglomerate which is now pinning its turnaround hopes on new CEO Luca de Meo.
CairoScene
6 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Bank Launches Jewellery Training With Italian Craft School
A new jewellery workshop in Asir is pairing Italian technique with Saudi traditions to train local artisans in craftsmanship. A new training initiative in Asir is inviting Saudi artisans to hone their skills in gold and copper leaf jewellery-making through a partnership with Italy's Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School. The programme, launched on August 1st by the Saudi Social Development Bank, is designed to combine local craft traditions with international expertise. Drawing inspiration from Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a form of heritage art from the region recognised by UNESCO, the course offers instruction in techniques tailored to current market tastes. The partnership was formally marked with a cooperation agreement signed between the bank and the Florence-based school, which is known for its experimental approach to contemporary jewellery. Participants, including freelance designers and artisans, are learning to develop high-quality pieces that reflect both personal creativity and regional aesthetics. Since the larger training scheme began in 2023, more than 300 people have taken part in 15 different programmes. Of those, a significant number have turned their designs into products - some even securing funding to expand their businesses. According to bank figures, about 30% of previous trainees have received financing, and over 150 cottage industry families have expanded operations after participating.
Morocco World
17-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Moroccan Entrepreneur Asmaa Gacem Steps in to Save AC Prato
Rabat — Moroccan-born Italian businesswoman Asmaa Gacem has officially acquired 100% of AC Prato's board shares previously held by Humanativa Group through her Florence-based holding company Finres SpA for over €800,000. The deal allows the new owner the responsibility of settling the club's debts and overdue wages owed to players and technical staff, finalizing essential conditions for AC Prato to register for the upcoming Serie D season, which is due by July 21. AC Prato said in a statement concerning the procedure that President Stefano Commini will remain in office until all the procedures necessary to complete the team's registration for the next 2025-2026 season have been completed. Supporters were quick to comment on the club's official statement: 'Instead of saying that Prato was up to date with salaries and debts, it would have been good to tell the truth about the real situation — Maybe things would have turned out differently today,' one commenter said on Facebook. Another added: 'The situation was handled embarrassingly — we can maintain our standing, — that we have SERIOUS and COMPETENT people managing the club.' Asmaa Gacem is active in various sectors, from tourism to construction. She serves as national vice president of CNA Tourism and Commerce, with responsibility for cities of art, and sole director of Fastpol Srl, including the management of Vespucci 50 Hotel in Florence. With this latest acquisition, she has become one of a few female club owners in the Italian football scene, underlining her influence onto the traditional business domains. Tags: AC PartoAsmaa Gacemsports
