LVMH, the leading luxury group, is dedicated to enhancing the allure of craftsmanship excellence with its new initiative called the ‘WE for ME’ pact. In order to continue thriving in the global business scene, LVMH and its 75 labels have undertaken several expansion and transformation projects in France. These projects require exceptional skills and expertise, as Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH, firmly believes that sustainable luxury cannot exist without excellence in know-how.
Recognizing the importance of artisanal expertise, LVMH decided to capture the collaboration between top management members of its labels and the group’s talented artisans through photography. This valuable knowledge needs to be passed down to future generations, but it poses a challenge. While the luxury industry has seen the establishment of several leather goods workshops and projects in perfumery, jewelry, and other crafts, the recruitment of skilled personnel remains a significant issue. France alone needs to hire more than 8,500 new employees each year, but struggles to find qualified candidates. In response to this need, LVMH launched the ‘Savoir pour Faire’ campaign and website in 2019 to attract new recruits to artisanal trades.
Understanding the importance of promoting artisanal expertise globally and attracting exceptional talents across various crafts and luxury trades, LVMH recently introduced the ‘WE for ME’ pact, which involves all of its labels. The pact was signed at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.
Chantal Gaemperle, the Director for Human Resources and Synergies at LVMH, emphasized that the group brings together over 200 craft trades worldwide, all driven by a community of passionate individuals eager to pass on their skills. LVMH’s responsibility is to support and develop this community.
The ‘WE for ME’ pact consists of four main points. Firstly, LVMH aims to accelerate its ‘Excellent!’ program, which promotes craftsmanship skills in France and globally. Additionally, the luxury group plans to recognize the talents within its workforce through specific awards. Thirdly, LVMH has established a program to promote the skills of talented artisans within the group and accelerate innovation in craftsmanship excellence. Finally, LVMH intends to support initiatives outside the group, including the ‘Elle Artisanes’ prize and the creation of a creativity fund to aid artisanal trades.
To showcase the craft skills existing within the group, LVMH will be organizing events in Paris on October 19th and in Florence on November 8th.
LVMH’s commitment to promoting craftsmanship excellence and attracting the best talents in the luxury industry is evident through the ‘WE for ME’ pact. By fostering innovation, recognizing skills, and supporting initiatives both within and outside the group, LVMH is taking significant strides in preserving and advancing the art of luxury craftsmanship.
Useful links:
– LVMH dims investment plans as activity in China reignites
– Couture for a Cause: Bernard Arnault on Luxury’s Future and How the LVMH Prize Is Making a Difference
