Maison Masters
The role of artisans in the luxury sector
Intertek, the global leader in Total Quality Assurance, recently launched Maison Centre of Excellence, an initiative aimed at celebrating the work of selected artisans to boost the value and experience of fashion craftsmanship. In a bid to identify and validate excellence in this strategic sector and shine a light on the ancient, manual and innovative skills that play such a major role in Made in Italy around the world, so that they can be preserved and adopted as a form of art.
The disappearance of this art would be irreparably damaging to many Italian and foreign high-end fashion brands, which rely heavily on Italian craftsmanship for their luxury collections.
The artisans chosen from around Italy are: Anna e Alex Official, Bottega Conticelli, Casarotti Calzature, Darte, Denim, ISarti, Laura De Cesare, Mazzoleni Gloves, Monica Rocchini, Phillacolor, Ricamificio Filottranese, Romy Pelletterie, SF Italia and Similea. The programme also includes a finale event that will celebrate the diversity of talent through direct interaction between brands and the artisans.
“I believe in artisanship born from innovation, while still rooted in the natural sense of time, in a society that is beginning to forget how precious time, care, patience, and thought sharing is. Artisanship is a form of unique discipline and the pursuit of perfection, that comes from the heart, hands and a treasure trove of human innovation. Without this art, we grow more disconnected from nature and become insensitive. Even worse, we would then lack the enthusiasm we share in promoting the art of life,” says Michela Finaurini, patron of the initiative.
“Intertek’s role is to safeguard quality, sustainability and innovation at every stage of the luxury supply chain. Through the initiative led by our Maison exhibition and cultural centre, we are pleased to actively support the preservation and recognition of a fundamental art for this sector, particularly now that we are seeing an enormous shift in consumer behaviour towards innovation, sustainability and customisation,” says Elena Ruffino, SE+EERCA Sales & Strategy Director SL&HL at Intertek.
