LVMH’s Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME) recently held a graduation ceremony for its latest cohort, marking a significant milestone in the program initiated by Bernard Arnault to foster and uphold artisanal craftsmanship. The event attracted a crowd of nearly 500 aspiring young individuals, all eager to witness firsthand the success of Arnault’s vision for the future of luxury craftsmanship.
Arnault, as the Chairman of LVMH, underscored the vital role of IME in safeguarding traditional skills and opening doors to employment for talented artisans. Launched in 2014, the program has rapidly expanded its reach by partnering with 15 esteemed design schools and two universities, providing a diverse array of courses across different countries including France, Italy, and Switzerland.
From its humble beginnings with a small group of 28 apprentices, IME has now grown to over 500 apprentices, with 300 alumni actively contributing to the program’s prosperity. Offering a wide spectrum of courses ranging from design to leather goods and watchmaking, IME caters to a wide age range, welcoming individuals as young as 15 and up to 45. In the latest cohort, 32 LVMH brands from various sectors participated, underscoring the industry-wide commitment to nurturing artisanal skills.
IME’s unique approach of blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation has set its graduates on a pathway towards thriving careers in the luxury sector. Filled with hope and excitement, the graduates raised their glasses of Veuve Clicquot as they commemorated their accomplishments, marking the beginning of a new chapter enriched with newfound skills and opportunities in the realm of luxury.
To learn more about LVMH’s Institut des Métiers d’Excellence, visit their official website here. For information on upcoming programs and initiatives, check out their latest updates here.
