Bottega Veneta, the Italian luxury fashion house, is taking its commitment to artisanal craft to the next level with the launch of Accademia Labor et Ingenium, a new school dedicated to fostering the next generation of artisans. The academy is based between the Bottega Veneta atelier in Montebello Vicentino and a new space at the brand’s manufacturing site in Povolaro Dueville.
The program, which is led by a community of five Bottega Veneta craftsmen, represents the shared values that have shaped the company since its foundation in 1966. In an age of mass production and fast fashion, Accademia Labor et Ingenium is a welcome return to traditional values and a celebration of the unique skills and knowledge of artisans.
The school will train and employ 50 students a year, nurturing the next generation of artisan talent. Once they have completed the course, they are guaranteed to be taken on by the fashion house.
“Accademia Labor et Ingenium is a key strategic pillar to preserve Bottega Veneta’s unique savoir-faire,” said Bottega Veneta CEO, Leo Rongone. “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.”
All photography courtesy of BOTTEGA VENETA
