During a time when the skilled workforce in Made in Italy professions is declining, Bottega Veneta is taking steps to address the issue and encourage vocations. The luxury fashion brand has launched the “Bottega Veneta Labor et Ingenium Academy,” a permanent training program that involves its workshops and various actors from its native region of Veneto.
The academy aims to reconnect with the traditional concept of “bottega,” the workshops where artisans developed their skills and passed them on to the next generation. It is situated in Veneto, specifically in the province of Vicenza, close to the brand’s origins. Two workshops in Montebello Vicentino and Povolaro di Dueville will initiate approximately fifty students each year into the world of luxury craftsmanship, with the support of master craftsmen and local organizations.
The first training program of the academy has been launched in collaboration with the IUAV University of Venice. Over a period of seven weeks, eight students will undergo theoretical and practical courses related to the design and production of bags, which is a flagship category for Bottega Veneta.
Preserving know-how and craftsmanship is a priority for luxury brands, including Bottega Veneta. The academy’s mission is to perpetuate the craftsmanship of the region and the manufacturing techniques developed by the brand over the years. This is especially important as Bottega Veneta achieved record sales last year, indicating a high demand for their products.
In a competitive recruitment landscape for artisanal professions, students who complete their training will be offered positions within the brand. The program is also available to Bottega Veneta employees who want to develop their skills further.
Bartolomeo Rongone, the CEO of Bottega Veneta, emphasized the significance of the Labor et Ingenium Academy in preserving the brand’s unique savoir-faire. He stated that craftsmanship and creativity are essential to the brand and the heritage of the Veneto region. The academy allows Bottega Veneta to share its skills, draw on its history, and leverage innovation to train the artisans of tomorrow.
Luxury groups and fashion houses have been increasingly investing in training and recruitment initiatives for artisanal professions. Chanel’s 19M project and the leatherworking CAPs implemented by Hermès are notable examples. LVMH also announced the opening of an establishment dedicated to Excellence Crafts by 2025.
Useful links:
1. [Bottega Veneta Labor et Ingenium Academy](https://www.bottegaveneta.com/labor-et-ingenium.html)
2. [IUAV University of Venice](https://www.iuav.it/)
