Kering has launched an innovative initiative named Kering Craft in China, aimed at fostering the growth of emerging local designers. This program is developed in collaboration with the Shanghai Designer Council, positioning itself as a beacon for talent in the region.
The core mission of Kering Craft is to highlight promising Chinese designers, handpicked by an esteemed international panel of industry professionals. This initiative, which stands for Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion, and Technology, adopts a comprehensive strategy to nurture and enhance the talents within the design community.
Selected designers will enjoy an exclusive residency experience that includes immersive opportunities in Milan, Paris, and Shanghai, all designed and curated by Kering. The program integrates craftsmanship, cutting-edge design, and essential business insights, facilitating vital conversations about the evolving landscape of luxury and creativity, as shared by the Paris-based conglomerate.
This initiative aspires to empower Chinese designers, aiding in their brand development and strategic growth while fostering the emergence of ‘glocal’ brands—local labels aiming for global recognition. These brands can benefit from synergies with Kering’s vast luxury portfolio, paving the way for international success.
“China stands as one of the world’s most dynamic centers for innovation, offering remarkable creativity and swift advancements. This energy aligns perfectly with Kering’s overarching vision,” Leo de Meo, CEO of Kering, remarked.
He further emphasized, “Our partnership with Shanghai Fashion Week through this pioneering initiative enables us to effectively contribute to the exchange of business ideas, cultural narratives, and innovative methodologies on a global scale.” De Meo, who assumed his role at Kering in June, is keen on this collaborative venture.
Kering, as a prominent luxury group, houses six flagship fashion brands: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, and Brioni, alongside luxury jewelry brands such as Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, and Ginori 1735.
The announcement of this project took place at the Kering Pavilion during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), marking a key milestone that highlights the company’s expanding role in China’s fashion and creative sectors.
“Our efforts are driven by the objective of merging local insights with global viewpoints. We are thrilled to collaborate with Kering in supporting the next generation of talent in China’s fashion landscape,” stated Ji Shengjun, Director of the Shanghai Fashion Week Organizing Committee. “We aim to establish a platform that enables local designers to connect with the world, sparking creativity and bolstering their brand-building efforts, which will contribute to the overall growth of the fashion ecosystem.”
Over the last two decades, Shanghai Fashion Week has evolved from a small-scale event into a leading fashion week in Asia, showcasing the region’s burgeoning design talent.
Kering employs around 6,000 individuals and operates over 400 stores across 40 cities in China, with approximately 25% of its global retail network located within this high-potential market. Intriguingly, half of Kering’s retail locations in the country have been established within the past decade, with five of its top ten cities for global sales situated in China.
