LVMH Métiers d'Excellence partners with Polimoda, Italy

Polimoda, the leading Italian fashion school has partnered with LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence, School of Master Craftsmen & Artisans and will support the the school’s expansion to Italy. The IME will offer training of leather goods craftsmanship at Polimoda and additional courses at Palazzo Pucci, the IME’s Italian headquarters, as well as LVMH Maison ateliers.

“This partnership is an important initiative for Polimoda, confirming the school’s competitiveness on an international scale and recognizing the success of our educational methods for fashion design and business professionals. It is also a major devlopment for our region, recognizing it as a center of competencies and expertise and affirming the worldwide reputation of ‘Made in Italy’ excellence,”commented Danilo Venturi, Director of Polimoda.

Set to start in October, the first class of 12 aspiring leather artisans will be funded by the Tuscany region, a global hub for leather goods production. The courses will be taught at Polimoda Design Lab in Scandicci, situated in the heart of Florence, where student will have access to direct links with the industry and modern design laboratories.

Polimoda will share their 30 years of experience in the fashion design and business industry, providing students with two-track training, along with hands-on craftsmanship tuition from LVMH Maisons.

“The LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence plays a vital role in perpetuating the excellence of our Maisons and in ensuring the perpetuation of these métiers. I am delighted to see the launch of this new program with Polimoda in Italy, an exemplary country regarding creativity, talent and fundamental savoir-faire that are essential to the LVMH Group,” said Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH Group Executive Vice President Human Resources & Synergies.

LVMH opened the Institut des Métiers d’Excellence in France, 2014. Promoting careers in traditional craftsmanship to ensure that time-honored artisanal skills such as jewellery making, atelier sewing and watch making are preserved.

Each course was established in partnership with French or Swiss schools including École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. Now expanding further to Italy, the IME is succeeding in preserving traditional design methods.

Photo: Louis Vuitton Foundation, courtesy of LVMH