Bottega Veneta is renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, which comes to life through Matthieu Blazy’s intricate designs that consistently put leatherwork at the forefront of its output. Now, the House doubles-down on its love for craft with the Bottega Veneta Accademia Labor et Ingenium, a new initiative that will “foster the next generation of artisanal talent.”
Bottega Veneta operates like a family; its artisans pass down skills from one generation to the next. Now, with the introduction of its school, the House will be enrolling 50 students a year to learn the ways of Bottega Veneta.
Students will be based between the House’s atelier in Montebello Vicentino and a new space at the brand’s manufacturing site in Povolaro Dueville, which will act as its educational hub. Working alongside existing artisans, new students, and external hires, the programme offers training activities, workshops, and courses – and it commences on October 16 with a “bespoke seven-week masterclass in partnership with University IUAV in Venice.”
Here, budding students will learn how to create bag prototypes and turn them into production-ready designs, understanding more about Bottega Veneta’s inimitable shapes and finishes. Likewise, the programme will offer a deeper insight into how the luxury market operates, allowing the students to develop professional skills such as communication and relationship building.
Speaking on the initiative, Bottega Veneta CEO, Leo Rongone said: “Accademia Labor et Ingenium is a key strategic pillar to preserve Bottega Veneta’s unique savoir-faire. Exceptional craft and creativity are essential to our brand and to the heritage of our home region in Veneto. With the Accademia, we take the collective ethos at the heart of Bottega Veneta to a new level, building on our rich history of skill-sharing and innovation to nurture the artisans of the future.”
Whats more, those who complete the course in its entirety are guaranteed employment at Bottega Veneta. And for existing staff, the House is also executing “upskilling and reskilling curricula.”
You can find out more via Bottega Veneta’s website.
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