Kering has commenced the inaugural academic year of its Accademia per le Eccellenze, deploying over 40 distinct educational tracks across six Italian regions to shelter traditional tailoring from looming labor shortages. Enrolling more than 1,500 students, the initiative leverages a widespread institutional network to inject qualified talent directly into high-end apparel and luxury production. We are establishing a robust platform to nurture capabilities and secure the evolution of our production métiers over time, states Luca de Meo, CEO, Kering. The program aims to neutralize supply chain vulnerabilities by equipping modern workshops with systematic technical training.

Integrating digital tech with heritage

Moving beyond classical handcrafts, the curriculum embeds advanced material science, artificial intelligence, and ecological sustainability directly into apparel and textile instruction. By fusing legacy techniques with modern operational software, students learn to navigate shifting consumer demands and regulatory pressures. "Our objective is transforming historic craft into a dynamic, future-proof discipline," noted Sabina Belli, President of Kering Italia. Partnerships with specialized restoration schools further reinforce material research, ensuring that high-end fashion houses maintain uncompromised standards of quality amid tight global competition.

Long-term expansion through targeted investments

Kering Group Kering is a premier global luxury goods group managing renowned fashion, leather goods, and jewelry houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta. Operating primarily within high-end apparel, accessories, and specialized retail, the group pursues long-term expansion through targeted investments in localized European manufacturing. Backed by a solid financial performance delivering €14.7 billion in revenue alongside a workforce of 44,000 employees, Kering continues to prioritize infrastructure and talent development to sustain its competitive industry edge.