The dark side of fashion in Stefania Giacomini’s noir

Behind the glittering shop windows of high fashion and the sophisticated architecture of two great European capitals lies one of the most dramatic plagues of contemporary times: the human trafficking. This is the fulcrum around which it revolves”Dangerous Shopping” (Editrice AllAround), the new noir by the journalist and writer Stefania Giacomini. The novel, moving on the tightrope between Roma e Lisbonquickly abandons the muffled atmospheres of worldliness to transform into a social denunciation thriller.

At the center of the plot are three protagonists – Larissa, Junko ed Ingrid – who, initially immersed in the glamor and art of the two cities, become the target of a criminal gang dedicated to it deals with white slaves. Through this narrative device, the author transforms the frame of luxury into an instrument of reflection e di awareness.

The phenomenon of trafficking today

The phenomenon of deals withfar from being overcome, is now recording critical dimensions on a global scale, also fueled by numerous international conflicts.

The words of the author

“A topic that seems to belong to the past while, unfortunately, it is very current – ​​says the author – I have read disturbing data. Pope Francis in his Angelus he denounced the human trafficking that affects the world 43 million people. Data which, with the ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world, are unfortunately destined to grow. I wanted to bring it to everyone’s attention again while setting the novel in the world of moda because you are not safe in any environment.”

United Nations data

I United Nations statistical data confirm the urgency of the problem: further 75 thousand victims have been identified in more than 110 countries. Il 70 percent of the subjects involved are represented by women and, among these, the 77 percent is a victim of sexual exploitationil 14 percent Of forced laborwhile the remaining portion is intended for forced marriages o domestic servitude.

Internet and organized crime

Despite the introduction in 2003 of a first transnational legislationthe advent of rete internet has amplified the illicit market. They are estimated approximately 150 billion websites dedicated to trafficking on a global level, with a progressive lowering of the age of the victims, which today includes boys and girls aged 8-9 years.

An emergency recognized at an institutional level

The gravity of the situation, defined as a plague that “disfigures human dignity – the author recalls the words of the Pontiff – “in too many places and in too many situations women are put in the background, considered as objects”, was also recently discussed by President of the Council in the course of a G7 summitwhere it was indicated among the institutional action priorities.

From the novel to the public debate

The volume has gone beyond the confines of the written page to become the subject of a broad political and social confrontation. Nell’April 2024on the initiative of the former MEP Cinzia Bonfriscoil European Parliament hosted a debate entitled ‘Dangerous shopping fight against the crime of modern slavery‘. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Vatican, EU magistrates, psychologists and industry representatives cultural and of modaunited in the search for concrete proposals to raise awareness in European society.

Presentations and awards

Subsequently, in March 2025the work was presented in Capitol and, abroad, at theItalian Cultural Institute in Miami and the Florida International University. The value of the work was also recognized in the field literary with the assignment of Special plaque “Rome Eternal City” al Roma International Literary Prize 2025 and of Merit Award at the 17th edition of the Città di Cattolica International Literary Prize 2025.

Commentary from the world of fashion

As stated by Stefano Dominellapresident of House Gattinoni: “It’s an intertwining book light and anxietyand which transforms the luxury in social reflection.”

An appeal to the institutions

The underlying objective remains the need for intervention structured and choral against this form of crime. “I hope that this book – continues Stefania Giacomini – can stimulate institutions as the phenomenon cannot be addressed individually and requires one effective communication you have him”.

The author’s profile

Stefania Giacomini, professional journalistformer presenter and correspondent RAI in international contexts (China, Australia, Dubai, Montenegro), is an expert in moda, costume e culture. Formerly a teacher at Sapienza Of “Fashion and mass media” and radio presenter, currently holds the position of director of Goodinitalywebtv e vice-president of the Italian Talent Association. His publications include “Success comes with clothes” e “Discovering the set”, published by RAI ERI.