Summary Points
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Kering Launches CRAFT Initiative: The French fashion group Kering introduces CRAFT (Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion, and Technology) in China, featuring 10 selected designers for a comprehensive international learning journey.
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Learning Journey Highlights: This program includes travel to Italy, Paris, and Shanghai, culminating in a final project presentation during Shanghai Fashion Week 2027, focusing on craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
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Selection Process: Over 100 applicants were rigorously evaluated by Kering, Shanghai Fashion Week, and a 12-member advisory board, including Demna and Guo Pei, based on creativity, craftsmanship, and future luxury trends.
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Diverse Talent Development: The initiative aims to elevate the next generation of Chinese creatives, fostering cultural dialogue and integrating local originality with a global design perspective, driven by the selected fellows’ innovative spirits and strong business potential.
Kering Selects 10 Chinese Designers for New Residency Program
Kering, the French luxury fashion group, has announced the selection of 10 Chinese designers for its new initiative, CRAFT. This program stands for Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion, and Technology. The chosen designers are Cai Jiaen, Zhong Zixin, Hu Nan, Longhong Ziwei, Qi Yueqi, Wang Fengchen, Wei Donghui, Xia Rong, Xu Hao, and Yu Gengyi.
Starting in May, these designers will embark on an “international learning journey,” with their first stop in Italy. Next, they will travel to Paris and Shanghai. Kering stated that the program aims to blend hands-on learning with expert mentorship. Additionally, cultural exchange plays a key role in advancing innovation and sustainability within the fashion ecosystem.
The residency culminates in a final project presentation during Shanghai Fashion Week 2027. Kering’s CEO, Luca de Meo, launched this initiative last November, highlighting the goal of spotlighting and nurturing the next generation of Chinese creative talent.
Kering received over 100 applications for this program. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by a panel including industry leaders, such as Gucci’s artistic director Demna and Chinese couturier Guo Pei. The criteria for selection emphasized creativity, craftsmanship, and potential for growth in future luxury markets.
Cai Jinqing, president of Kering Greater China, praised the “creative passion and exceptional potential” of the new fellows. She expressed excitement for the meaningful exchanges that will take place during their residency.
This initiative not only promotes design excellence but also integrates technology into the creative process. As a result, it aims to foster innovative solutions for sustainable practices in the fashion industry. By bridging ideas from China and Europe, Kering supports a more inclusive future in global fashion design.
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