FT Business of Fashion Part 2

An article on the increase in fashion awards and company sponsorships, ‘And the Winner Is…’ highlights the next generation of award schemes; the artisanal school. This month Bottega Veneta are launching La Scuola Della Pelletteria Bottega Veneta, it’s own school aimed at supporting local talent and ensuring that leatherworking skills and techniques are passed on to the next generation.

In retaliation to the increasing number of Italian companies who are outsourcing production, Patrizio di Marco, president of Bottega Veneta explained the their reasons for financing the school: "We strongly believe that one of the most important points of ‘Made in Italy’ is the tradition and craftsmanship that takes years to build up", therefore graduates of the school will end up "qualified as a junior pattern-cutter, which is the most important figure within our industry as it’s the person who translates the ideas from the creative team into a physical item".

It seems to me however be a clever ploy by the company to ensure they will always have a steady stream of skilled employees- the school will take 15 students a year for a three year course, after which all graduating students will have to work for Bottega Veneta! A good idea though, as Italy has always been known for its mastery of tailoring and production techniques,and any brand that actively tries to preserve such a skill base should  be applauded.