LVMH Métiers d’Art, a division of luxury conglomerate LVMH devoted to sourcing high-quality raw materials, is reinforcing its partnership with Japan. Alongside its collaboration with denim specialist Kuroki, LVMH Métiers d’Art has now announced a new collaboration with Hosoo, a historic Japanese weaver of silk fabrics for kimonos.
Hosoo has been providing luxury brands such as Chanel and Christian Dior, as well as prestigious hotels like Bulgari and the Ritz, with its exceptional silks. Founded in Kyoto’s Nishijin district in 1688, the Hosoo family has been operating the business for twelve generations, currently under the leadership of president Masataka Hosoo. The company’s reputation is built on its tradition of supplying traditional silk kimonos and accessories to the imperial court, samurai, and noble families. They employ the nishijin-ori craft technique, which combines silk, gold, and silver threads and dates back to the 15th century.
LVMH Métiers d’Art is particularly captivated by the high level of craftsmanship and traditional techniques present in Japan’s textile industry. This fascination is evident in their partnerships with Hosoo and Kuroki. These collaborations follow the establishment of LVMH Métiers d’Art Japan earlier this year, an entity dedicated to promoting Japanese craftsmanship expertise and led by Emina Morioka.
Matteo De Rosa, CEO of the Métiers d’Art division, highlights that what distinguishes Hosoo is its complete control over the entire manufacturing process. The company has not only preserved its rich history but has also advanced in manufacturing and dyeing techniques, including exploring new uses for sericulture waste. De Rosa anticipates that this partnership will initiate a long-term collaboration, fostering innovation in traditional silk manufacturing techniques, while offering fresh concepts and viewpoints for growth and global recognition.
Unlike its other partners, LVMH has not acquired a stake in Hosoo. Instead, it is establishing a commercial collaboration to support the company’s development and become the preferred supplier for all of LVMH’s brands. De Rosa emphasizes that LVMH Métiers d’Art aims to assist its partners by providing additional investment, managerial guidance, and commercial support. He concludes by affirming the division’s objective of preserving its partner manufacturers as leaders in their respective domains by promoting innovation and staying relevant.
LVMH Métiers d’Art was established in 2015 with the mission of uniting exceptional crafts and materials within a unique body of expertise. With a focus on leather, exotic skins, metal, textiles, and ready-to-wear, the division consists of 17 specialist suppliers and generates €700 million in sales.
Useful links:
1. Hosoo Official Website
2. LVMH News: Heritage-Rich Partnerships in Japan
