Kering, the renowned French luxury group behind iconic brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga, is stepping up its commitment to sustainability by launching a new workshop in India. The initiative aims to enhance working conditions within Kering’s supply chain, particularly in the domain of hand embroidery. Since the 1980s, many luxury brands have relied on India’s expertise in hand embroidery, considering it a center of excellence for this traditional craft.
By establishing its own workshop in India, Kering plans to bring back a significant portion of hand embroidery work for its brands. The move is not intended to cover all the hand embroidery requirements of the group’s brands but rather to gain direct and comprehensive knowledge of this specialized art form. The workshop will enable Kering to better collaborate with external suppliers and ensure aspects such as working conditions, wages, prices, and contractual commitments meet the company’s standards.
Under the leadership of François-Henri Pinault, Kering strives to improve traceability throughout its supply chain, especially in intricate areas of production such as ornamentation techniques. With a turnover exceeding 15 billion euros in 2019, this luxury conglomerate recognizes the importance of having a stronger control over working conditions, wages, and the overall well-being of the artisans involved. By establishing its own presence on-site in India, Kering aims to oversee and regulate these aspects more effectively.
This endeavor aligns with Kering’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry. In 2016, Kering joined forces with LVMH, Burberry, and Mulberry to sign the Utthan Pact, a collaborative agreement aiming to enhance factory safety in Mumbai, the heart of India’s embroidery industry.
This new workshop not only demonstrates Kering’s dedication to sustainability but also emphasizes its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. By engaging directly with artisans in India, Kering seeks to build a closer and more sustainable relationship with its suppliers. Through this undertaking, Kering not only aims to improve its supply chain but also contribute positively to the working conditions and livelihoods of the artisans involved.
To learn more about the artisans and crafts in India’s embroidery industry, you can visit the following links:
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