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LVMH and Parsons to Celebrate
Artisanry
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New York, NY, January 28, 2010 – LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc., the North American arm of the global luxury leader, and Parsons The New School for Design, today announced the launch of “The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York” to celebrate the tradition of authenticity, creativity and craftsmanship that has long inspired and defined the luxury industry.
“The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York” brings together Parsons students with New York City artisans. Through an extensive collaboration, student teams are creating original fashion ensembles and short documentary films both inspired by and responsive to the work of a local artisan and the world of LVMH.
Initial work on the project began in late 2009, when 23 teams of Parsons students from a range of design fields were each assigned to a local Master Artisan. Over several months, the artisans generously donated their time: inviting the students into their studios, teaching and demonstrating their work. The participating artisans work in areas including: Architectural Arts, Ceramic Arts, Furniture Arts, Glass Arts, Graphic Arts, Clock Making, Lighting Arts, Metal Arts, Musical Arts, Textile Arts, Theater Arts, Wood Arts, and Restoration and Conservation.
The students’ fashion creations and films will be previewed on February 17 at Milk Studios during MAC & MILK Fashion Week. After which, a panel of judges will select the three winning teams. Awards will be given in the late spring. LVMH and Parsons will organize additional events related to this project through spring and summer 2010, and will provide details about these events at a later date.
On the legacy of craftsmanship at LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Bernard Arnault said: “Beyond ephemeral fashions, it is the values of quality and durability which are forever attached to the Group’s brands. The handicraft expertise of our products, their unique history and legacy, the truly iconic designs that distinguish our creations – all of these characteristics take on particular importance for us, as the leading luxury group, enforcing and perpetuating our solid values.”
Renaud Dutreil, Chairman of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in North America, continued: “This is why LVMH has created this exciting program with Parsons The New School for Design. Artisans are the driving force behind the creativity, innovation and heritage of our brands at LVMH, and they are an essential part of the fabric of local economies and our society”. He added: “New York City is home to many artisans utilizing a wide variety of mediums, and we are lucky to have their work available to us here. We believe that these talented people deserve public recognition and support. We are delighted to be able to provide this through our collaboration with Parsons, a school that successfully serves a wide range of design fields and is an integral part of this City. We are excited to see ‘The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York’ come to life through the work of the students.”
Joel Towers, Dean of Parsons, said: “This extraordinary program gives our students the rare chance to learn from highly skilled artisans in their studios. The students will use this project to explore their creativity in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment, and will better understand the diversity of artisan professions, who contribute to the economic and artistic engines of New York. The students’ enthusiasm is strikingly evident in their work. We are grateful to the many artisans who are giving so much of their time to this program, and we are delighted to join LVMH in celebrating them. LVMH has shown an enormous commitment to nurturing young talent and we greatly appreciate the opportunity they are providing to our students.”
"The chance to work with LVMH, skilled New York artisans, and students from a diverse range of programs is an opportunity that could only happen at Parsons," said Sven Travis, Dean of the School of Art, Media and Technology. Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion, added: "To present the student work at MAC & MILK Fashion Week is a wonderful way to show the world what local artisans, a leading luxury group, and talented young designers can do when coming together."
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Bernard Arnault are deeply committed to supporting socially responsible initiatives in areas ranging from culture to the environment. Consistent with its focus on innovation and creativity, LVMH has sponsored projects worldwide that celebrate the arts, encourage contemporary creation, preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainability, support young talent, and further art de vivre.
In the U.S., over the past year LVMH Inc. has sponsored “Bike in Style,” a program in which it worked with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and others to promote healthy, environmentally friendly bicycle commuting. LVMH Inc. also partnered with American Composers Orchestra (ACO) to support emerging composers and musical talent, including sponsoring a national call for an original orchestral work based on the theme: “A Greener New York City.”
Dutreil concluded: “This partnership with Parsons is another opportunity for LVMH to expand its commitment to supporting artistic endeavor and creative ingenuity and furthers our goal of revealing the best in New York – making it an even more exciting place to live for all!”
The New York Times is the official media sponsor of "The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: New York."
About LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (www.lvmh.com) is the world's leading luxury goods group. The Group is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Château d'Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere Vodka, Chopin, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury brand, as well as Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, and StefanoBi. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing through DFS, Sephora in Europe and the United States, Le Bon Marché and la Samaritaine. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Christian Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Limited, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.
About Parsons The New School for Design
Parsons The New School for Design has been a pioneer in art and design education for more than a century. Based in New York but active around the world, the school offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the full spectrum of design disciplines. Critical thinking and collaboration are at the heart of a Parsons education. A student-centered curriculum allows for both focused and interdisciplinary learning, with unparalleled internship opportunities and industry partnerships laying the groundwork for entrepreneurship and professional success. An integral part of The New School, Parsons builds on the university’s legacy of progressive ideals, scholarship, and pedagogy. Parsons graduates are leaders in their respective fields, with a shared commitment to creatively and critically addressing the complexities of life in the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.newschool.edu/parsons.
Press Contact for Parsons The New School for Design
Deborah Kirschner, | 212.229.5667 x4310 | [email protected]
Sandra Gil | Factory PR | 212.941.7057 | [email protected]
Press Contact for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton Inc.:
Claire-Aude Staraci | PR & Communications Manager | 212-931-2734
[email protected]
Molly Morse | Kekst and Company | 212.521.4800 | [email protected]
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