As reported by International Leather Maker, the LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME) announced it has expanded to Italy, selecting leading Florentine fashion school Polimoda as its first partner for training of leather goods artisans in the country.  
Launched in 2014, the IME professional training program seeks to ensure the transmission of unique savoir-faire at LVMH Maisons to new generations through training at partner schools and collaboration with the Group’s Maisons, including Bulgari, Céline, Christian Dior Couture, Fendi, Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton, Veuve Clicquot and Zenith. The program is currently involved in training for more than 200 young people in sectors such as leather goods, jewellery, couture, watches, luxury retail and design.

The new partnership between the IME and Polimoda marks a first expansion of the professional training model to Italy. Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, the training program will be initially centred on leather goods craftsmanship. The first class will receive funding from the Tuscany Region, and will welcome 12 students who want to become leather goods artisans. The selected candidates will receive two-track training, benefiting from Polimoda’s 30 years of experience in educating future fashion design and business professionals, coupled with hands-on craftsmanship training from prestigious LVMH Maisons.

“The LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence plays a vital role in perpetuating the excellence of our Maisons and in ensuring the perpetuation of these métiers. I am delighted to see the launch of this new program with Polimoda in Italy, an exemplary country regarding creativity, talent and fundamental savoir-faire that are essential to the LVMH Group,” said Chantal Gaemperle, Executive Vice-President Human Resources & Synergies, LVMH Group.