From Cartier’s dedication to safeguarding high jewellery techniques through the Cartier Institute of High Jewellery to Loro Piana’s collaboration with indigenous Peruvian artisans, luxury Maisons are resolutely committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while embracing innovation in an industry increasingly shaped by automation. Now, more than ever, these Houses are proactively sustaining, supporting, and evolving artisanal techniques, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing commercial landscape. LUXUO explores how luxury icons like Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Van Cleef & Arpels are not only protecting heritage but intentionally evolving craftsmanship, ensuring that artisanal skill continues to lie at the heart of luxury.

Cartier: Protecting High Jewellery Craftsmanship

In an era where automation threatens to overshadow artisanal expertise, Cartier is doubling down on its mission to preserve the delicate craft of jewellery-making. Through the Cartier Institute of High Jewellery, the Maison is ensuring that its savoir-faire — stone setting, filigree work, and polishing — remains in the hands of skilled artisans, not just machines. This is particularly seen as the Maison has expanded its training initiatives, inaugurating dedicated jewellery-making and polishing classes at the Haute École de Joaillerie and the École Boulle. Cartier has also introduced an undergraduate degree in Digital Design, reflecting how high jewellery craftsmanship is adapting to technological advancements.

Cartier’s commitment extends beyond classrooms as each year, its workshops welcome 40 apprentices and 30 interns, with a vision to increase these numbers in response to a growing demand for skilled artisans. These hands-on training programs not only secure Cartier’s own future but also contribute to the broader luxury ecosystem, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive in an industry increasingly shaped by innovation. By participating in initiatives like Les De(ux)mains du Luxe, Cartier champions the intersection of heritage and progress, opening its doors to the public and engaging younger generations through interactive workshops. With its jewellery and high jewellery workshops staffed by over 340 artisans, Cartier is actively shaping the future of its craft, proving that heritage and innovation are not opposing forces, but essential partners in luxury’s next chapter.

Hermès: A Maison for Artisans

Hermès is deeply invested in training the next generation of artisans. Through its dedicated Centre de Formation des Apprentis (CFA) — launched in 2021 — Hermès is equipping young talent with the skills to uphold its standards of excellence, awarding diplomas that pave the way for lifelong careers in artisanal métiers. With over 60 production and training sites across France, Hermès anchors its expertise in local communities, fostering a new wave of artisans who blend time-honoured techniques with contemporary precision. The Maison actively encourages internal mobility, allowing employees to expand their craft and refine their skills within a nurturing environment committed to inclusivity and diversity. As the demand for exceptional craftsmanship continues to rise, Hermès is steadfast in its commitment to preserving artisanal employment. Each year, the maison creates new roles, ensuring its heritage remains both dynamic and relevant, with a focus on keeping the craft in the hands of skilled artisans rather than machines. In a world increasingly driven by automation, Hermès maintains that true luxury is still made by human hands — one stitch at a time.

Louis Vuitton Maintains Legacy in the Digital Age

At the heart of Louis Vuitton’s success lies an unwavering commitment to savoir-faire — a tradition of excellence that has shaped the Maison since 1854. Through specialised training programmes, academic partnerships, and an evolving approach to artisanal careers, the maison is safeguarding rare skills while redefining the future of luxury. With over 26,000 artisans across 200 métiers, Louis Vuitton is ensuring that heritage craftsmanship not only survives but thrives. Recognised with the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label — an honour reserved for French companies excelling in traditional techniques — the Maison continues to pass down its expertise through initiatives like the Métiers d’Excellence programme. By prioritising human skill over mass production, Louis Vuitton ensures that fine craftsmanship remains integral to luxury in the digital era.

Louis Vuitton also actively engages young talent. The Excellent! programme introduces students to artisanal careers through immersive workshops, demystifying a path often overshadowed by corporate and tech-driven professions. Meanwhile, the WE for ME Pact reaffirms the Maison’s commitment to securing the future of its métiers, ensuring that craftsmanship remains a viable and desirable career. The luxury label also partners with academic institutions like Central Saint Martins and École Normale Supérieure, and is driving new conversations at the intersection of tradition and technology. From artificial intelligence applications that enhance the customer experience to sustainability-driven design incubators, these initiatives position Louis Vuitton at the cutting edge of luxury — without compromising the essence of handcrafted excellence. By blending generational knowledge with forward-thinking innovation, Louis Vuitton proves that heritage and modernity are not opposing forces, but two sides of the same coin.

Van Cleef & Arpels: L’ÉCOLE des Arts Joailliers

L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts — founded with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels — has spent over a decade cultivating an appreciation for the art of jewellery. Through its courses, workshops, exhibitions and publications, it introduces enthusiasts and novices alike to the craftsmanship, history and science of gemology. In June 2024, the institution expanded with a new home in the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, an 18th-century mansion on Paris’s Grands Boulevards, offering a dedicated exhibition space, a specialist bookshop named L’Escarboucle, and a library devoted entirely to jewellery. With a teaching faculty of over 60 experts — including jewellers, historians, lapidaries, and enamel specialists — L’ÉCOLE is committed to preserving and sharing traditional savoir-faire. While its flagship locations span Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Dubai, its mission extends beyond these cities. Regular travelling programmes bring jewellery culture to audiences worldwide, from New York to Tokyo, through pop-up courses, talks, and exhibitions.

Currently, L’ÉCOLE is presenting Paris, City of Pearls, an exhibition running from 21 November 2024 to 1 June 2025, exploring the historical pearl trade between the Gulf and France. Featuring over a hundred pieces on loan from institutions such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Petit Palais, as well as private collections, the exhibition traces the enduring fascination with pearls from the 19th century to the present day. In the Middle East, L’ÉCOLE is further strengthening its presence with the launch of the inaugural L’ÉCOLE Festival in Dubai. Open to all, the festival reflects L’ÉCOLE’s dedication to fostering creativity, education, and cross-cultural dialogue in the jewellery arts. The festival, alongside L’ÉCOLE’s global initiatives, exemplifies how historic Maisons like Van Cleef & Arpels are curating experiences to preserve jewellery heritage while engaging new audiences through education and cultural exchange.

Loro Piana Empowering Indigenous Peruvian Artisans

Loro Piana exemplifies how storied Maisons preserve rare craftsmanship while pioneering sustainable luxury, blending centuries-old textile traditions with forward-thinking conservation efforts. The brand’s deep connection with the Vicuña species — a population that was approaching extinction due to poachers — highlights its commitment to both heritage and environmental stewardship. Since 1994, Loro Piana has led efforts to protect the endangered species, securing exclusive rights to sustainably source its prized fleece. In 2008, they further solidified this commitment by establishing Peru’s first private nature reserve, safeguarding Vicuña’s natural habitat. Beyond conservation, the Maison continues to innovate, as seen in the development of materials like Pecora Nera, a rare Merino wool now fully traceable via blockchain technology.

Loro Piana’s ethical sourcing efforts extend to its partnership with the Peruvian government and local Andean communities. This collaboration has resulted in a series of sustainable practices, including responsible harvesting agreements for Vicuña fleece. Their 2018 Water Project in Arequipa addresses climate challenges by ensuring water security for both the Vicuña and the communities that depend on them, helping both thrive in the face of rising temperatures and drought. The Maison’s work with Vicuña highlights the brand’s dedication to preserving ancient traditions while adapting to the needs of the modern world. The Vicuña’s ultra-fine, golden-hued fleece, once reserved for royalty due to its extraordinary thermoregulating properties, has become a symbol of the brand’s mission to protect both the species and its ancestral traditions.

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art ateliers stand as living embodiments of the House’s ability to preserve exceptional craftsmanship while adapting to the demands of contemporary luxury. These ateliers — including Montex, Goossens, Lemarié, Lesage, Massaro, and Maison Michel — have long been integral to Chanel’s iconic aesthetic, each combining centuries-old traditions with modern techniques to create timeless pieces that transcend fashion trends. For instance, Montex, the embroidery atelier, continues to honour traditional methods like the Lunéville crochet hook and the Cornely machine, alongside a commitment to incorporating new materials and designs. Similarly, Goossens, the jewellery atelier, brings a rich history of sculpture and goldsmithing into the 21st century. Founded in 1954, the atelier evolved from its Byzantine influences to create contemporary pieces that continue to reflect the legacy of Chanel’s founder while pushing the boundaries of jewellery design.

Lemarié — established in 1880 — remains at the forefront of featherwork and flower-making and has been a key player in creating Chanel’s emblematic camellias since the 1960s. Its artisans combine precision and creativity, adapting traditional techniques to keep the spirit of couture alive, ensuring Chanel’s floral motifs remain as contemporary as ever. Lesage on the other hand is the embroidery house famed for its intricate patterns since 1924 and has continuously modernised the art of embroidery. Its ability to blend wool with unconventional materials like metallic threads and sequins adds a modern twist to the house’s renowned tweed. As a hub for passing down these time-honoured skills, Lesage plays a critical role in safeguarding the future of couture while fostering innovation. Massaro, the Maison behind Chanel’s legendary two-tone shoes since 1957, epitomises the balance between tradition and modernity. Each shoe is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that has defined the atelier for over half a century, yet Massaro remains agile, refining techniques to align with the evolving needs of contemporary luxury. Finally, Maison Michel, the storied Parisian millinery house, continues to create the signature hats that complete Chanel’s collections. Using a combination of age-old techniques and modern-day materials, the artisans at Maison Michel produce bespoke pieces that are as innovative as they are rooted in tradition.

Moving further in to 2025, Chanel’s commitment to its Métiers d’Art ateliers remains a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. These “sub-Maisons” not only preserve the legacy of Chanel’s artisanal craftsmanship but also ensure that the label’s future collections continue to challenge conventional boundaries, redefining luxury in a way that remains both rooted in tradition and is simultaneously forward-thinking.

Bottega Veneta on Keeping Intrecciato Alive

Bottega Veneta has solidified its commitment to preserving artisanal craftsmanship through the launch of Accademia Labor et Ingenium, a dedicated school aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. The name, drawn from the brand’s founding principles — “Craft and Creativity” — underscores the Maison’s ongoing dedication to its heritage. The school serves as both a permanent workshop and a training hub, where new hires and external students can learn directly from Bottega Veneta’s master artisans. With a focus on upskilling and reskilling, it also supports the creativity and craftsmanship of the Veneto region, celebrating the Italian tradition of “Made in Italy” and empowering the community to uphold and evolve the brand’s signature techniques. As CEO Leo Rongone stated, the initiative is a key strategic pillar in ensuring the Maison’s unique savoir-faire remains central to its future.

In addition to the school, Bottega Veneta continues to explore innovation in craftsmanship through initiatives such as “Craft in Motion”, a film that captures the interplay between creativity and tradition. Through these efforts, the Maison aims not only to preserve its rich history but to infuse it with modern artistry, ensuring that Bottega Veneta’s legacy remains as dynamic and relevant as ever.

Loewe’s Commitment to Craftsmanship

Loewe continues to deepen its connection with craftsmanship through initiatives like the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize, which celebrates innovative artisans from across the globe. In 2025, the prize returns to Madrid, showcasing 30 finalists selected from over 4,600 submissions. These finalists, representing 18 countries, have pushed the boundaries of traditional craft techniques, reinterpreting ancient forms through new materials such as basketry in clay and loom weaving in metal. This exploration of heritage and innovation reflects a reverence for craftsmanship passed down through generations, while embracing fresh, sculptural expressions that offer new directions in the craft world.

Parallel to the Craft Prize, Loewe celebrates its ongoing commitment to handcraft with the Crafted World exhibition. Spanning nearly two centuries of history, Crafted World offers a journey through Loewe’s Spanish heritage, showcasing the Maison’s progressive approach to fashion and its profound relationship with craftsmanship. Launching in Tokyo in March 2025, this exhibition reflects the creative spirit that has defined the house since its origins in Madrid in 1846. Designed in collaboration with OMA, the show includes collaborations with Japanese artisans and offers insight into Loewe’s evolving cultural dialogue with Japan, from the Ōnishi family’s 400-year-old tea kettle craft to works from the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize finalists. Loewe’s focus on sustainability is also evident in initiatives such as The Surplus Project, which repurposes excess leather to create woven basket bags. This commitment to environmental responsibility underscores the brand’s dedication to preserving both traditional and modern craftsmanship while advancing sustainability.

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