Gucci’s Artistic Director Takes on New Role in Creative Residency Program
Gucci has always been known as a brand that pushes the boundaries of fashion and embraces innovation. And now, the Italian fashion house is taking it a step further by joining hands with Shanghai Fashion Week to launch a new initiative called CRAFT – Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion and Technology. This exciting new program aims to bring together traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, and contemporary fashion to create a platform for emerging talents in the industry.
But what makes this program even more exciting is the fact that Gucci’s very own Artistic Director, Alessandro Michele, is among the 12 members of the new advisory board for CRAFT. Michele, who has been with the brand since 2015, has been instrumental in transforming Gucci into a global powerhouse with his bold and innovative designs. And now, with his role in CRAFT, he will be able to use his expertise and creativity to mentor and guide emerging talents in the industry.
CRAFT is a six-month residency program that will provide a platform for young designers, artisans, and technologists from all over the world to come together and collaborate. The program will be based in Shanghai, where participants will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to bring their ideas to life. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with industry experts and receive mentorship from the likes of Alessandro Michele and other renowned fashion professionals.
The program will not only focus on fashion but will also incorporate traditional craftsmanship and the use of technology in the creative process. This unique combination will not only add depth and richness to the designs but also push the boundaries of what is possible in the fashion industry. With Gucci’s rich heritage in craftsmanship and Shanghai’s reputation as a hub for technological innovation, CRAFT has the potential to create groundbreaking and avant-garde designs that will shape the future of fashion.
Moreover, CRAFT aims to promote sustainability in the fashion industry by encouraging participants to use eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials in their designs. This aligns perfectly with Gucci’s own commitment to sustainability and their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. By promoting sustainable practices, CRAFT hopes to set an example for the industry and inspire others to follow suit.
The partnership between Gucci and Shanghai Fashion Week for this program is a testament to the growing influence and importance of Chinese fashion on the global stage. With CRAFT, the two powerhouses are coming together to nurture and support emerging talents from all over the world, and it is a step towards creating a more diverse and inclusive fashion industry.
CRAFT has already received an overwhelming response from designers, artisans, and technologists from all over the world, with over 1,000 applications in the first week of its launch. This goes to show the immense potential of this program and the eagerness of the industry to embrace new ideas and approaches.
In a statement, Alessandro Michele said, “I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting new program that celebrates the synergy between traditional craftsmanship, fashion, and technology. I believe that CRAFT has the potential to push the boundaries of fashion and inspire the next generation of designers. I am honored to be able to mentor and guide these emerging talents and witness their growth and creativity.”
The first edition of CRAFT will kick off in September 2021, and we can’t wait to see the innovative designs that will emerge from this program. With Gucci’s Artistic Director and other industry experts on board, CRAFT is set to make a significant impact on the fashion world and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive industry.
In conclusion, Gucci’s involvement in CRAFT is a clear indication of their commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion and supporting emerging talents. With Alessandro Michele’s guidance and the collaboration of traditional craftsmanship and technology, CRAFT has the potential to shape the future of fashion and inspire the industry to embrace sustainability and innovation. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this exciting new program.
