The LVMH Group, known for its prestigious French and Italian brands like Christian Dior, Fendi, and Bulgari, has announced its plans to further expand its artisan and sales training in Italy. The luxury conglomerate has recognized the significance of transmitting and enhancing luxury craftsmanship skills and has taken steps to ensure its continued development.
In 2017, LVMH established a branch of its Institute of Excellence in Crafts in Italy, offering apprenticeship programs in leather goods in Tuscany and goldsmithing in Piedmont. Building on the success of these programs, the company has now introduced training programs for women’s shoes and luxury sales consultants in the Veneto region. Additionally, LVMH is in the process of developing a program focused on men’s shoes in Ferrara.
During a recent ceremony in Florence, Fendi CEO Serge Brunschwig emphasized the importance of training artisans in the industry. He expressed that while LVMH is committed to this cause, it cannot accomplish it alone. Brunschwig urged Italy to provide extensive craftsmanship training, highlighting that this profession of the past is increasingly becoming a profession of the future.
According to LVMH, Italian students who participated in the craft industry or continuing education programs offered by the company had an impressive placement rate of 88%, with 63% of them finding employment within LVMH.
Marco De Luca, a young graduate in goldsmithing, shared his experience with AFP, stating that his training and subsequent internship at Bulgari “changed his life” and has opened doors to a whole new adventure.
LVMH initially launched its Institute of Excellence in Crafts in Paris in 2014 and expanded to Italy in 2017. This year alone, a total of 500 apprentices, including 85 in Italy, will participate in various apprenticeship programs ranging from vocational certificates to Master’s degrees. The Institute collaborates with 15 schools and 32 luxury houses, including renowned brands like Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Loro Piana.
With a global workforce of approximately 145,000 employees, LVMH employs 10,000 individuals in Italy and 30,000 in France.
Useful links:
1. Christian Dior
2. Bulgari
