LVMH Launches Bold Focus on Preserving and Teaching Craftsmanship Across France
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The Rencontres Economiques des Metiers d'Art Forum, organized by leading partner LVMH, is an exciting new platform celebrating the convergence of art, artisanship and commerce in the luxury sector.
The platform launched in the picturesque town of Tonnerre, Burgundy on June 30, 2023, designed to bring together renowned artisans, industry experts, art enthusiasts business leaders to explore the rich but intricate relationship between craftsmanship and economics.
With a focus on preserving traditional techniques while embracing innovation, the goal of the forum was and will be a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration among talented individuals from various artistic disciplines. It’s indisputable that the artisans themselves are at the center of this metaphorical wheel of French excellence.
The Five Pillars of French Craftsmanship Rejuvenated
The French government has a three-year plan to breathe new life into these artisan sectors, while providing them with a solid organizational structure suitable for business ventures. LVMH details specifics of the plan on its website, and AOC will summarize it. This new project to reinvigorate and protect the future of craftsmanship in support of LVMH brands is founded on five pillars. They include 1) promoting savoir-faire among younger generations, 2) passing on rare skills, 3) placing craftsmanship at the heart of local life, 4) supporting innovation and creation, and 5) promoting French savoir-faire internationally.
Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and captivating exhibitions, the Rencontres Economiques des Metiers d'Art Forum seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the economic impact and cultural significance of artisanal craftsmanship in today's global landscape today and 50 years from now.
A vibrant ecosystem of artisans already collaborates with LVMH, supplementing the 100,000 skilled craftsmen and women employed in the LVMH Maisons and maintaining 280 heritage crafts. The survival and future evolution of these crafts are integral to the continued success and appeal of the LVMH stable of premier luxury brands and its fashion houses worldwide.
Sponsoring Fresh Talent and Regional Growth in France
Various programs initiated by the group are designed to entice and nurture a fresh generation of talent, that will stimulate regional economic growth in France. LVMH has announced plans to create 3000 new artisan jobs in France by the end of 2024. The conglomerate asserts that one job created by LVMH generates four for the French economy.
Choosing a picturesque town of Tonnerre, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, as the launch site of the project, served as the perfect backdrop for the event.
Located in eastern France, Tonnerre is known for its rich historical heritage and charming architectural treasures. The forum took place in various venues throughout Tonnerre, including historic landmarks like the Hôtel-Dieu and Saint-Pierre Church. Any activity of this kind can be expected to cultivate tourism in the future. But the success of the project will also be grounded in identifying potential artisans who also agree to move into the French countryside to places like Tonnerre.
Mentoring Young Artisans
LVMH representatives shared their expertise and insights through thought-provoking panel discussions and workshops, focusing on fostering creativity and innovation within the métiers d'art sector.
LVMH showcased its dedication to nurturing emerging talents by organizing mentoring sessions for young artisans, providing them with valuable guidance and networking opportunities to pursue luxury-sector skills falling off the opportunity radar in a digital world.
The late June forum attracted a diverse range of professionals including renowned artists, influential curators, skilled craftsmen, and representatives from prestigious art institutions.
For LVMH, Business and Human Politics Are Inseparable
LVMH has the additional challenge — and AOC is confident they understand this issue — to train younger people living now in France from its former colonies and across the old French Empire.
Recent protests across France underscore not only issues associated with economic unemployment generally, but racial unrest as well. AOC believes that LVMH today understands these challenges with greater depth of thought than most government officials in France or in America.
LVMH currently owns 112 production and craft sites across the country, and has invested 5 billion euros in the refurbishment of existing stores, establishment of new workshops, and creation of employment opportunities worldwide.
These exciting efforts by LVMH reach beyond French borders, although the conglomerate is fastidiously rigid in controlling its expertise in locations beyond France.
Next stop on our ongoing exploration of LVMH’s increasingly deep commitment to global artisans is a rare look inside Louis Vuitton’s Rochambeau Ranch in the Texas countryside.
