With more Unesco world heritage sites than any other country in the world and a history that spans millennia from the ancient Roman empire via Michelangelo’s art Renaissance to the world of operatic theatre preserving Italy’s historic culture is an expensive business.

The trouble is, despite the millions of tourists who visit every year, Italy’s Culture Ministry is too broke to stop its archeology, architecture and artistic treasures crumbling to dust. Step forward Italy’s famous fashion houses, the country’s new philanthropists with deep pockets. So which designers are funding these vital repairs and restoration works and why?