Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA): Learning from Parisian Masters of Craft
BFA Fashion Design students incorporated the knowledge of master artisans from Paris’ Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA) into their thesis collections.
Parsons Paris developed a unique artistic project titled Hand in Hand Made, which brought together for the first time international design students and French masters of art from the Institut National des Métiers d’Art (INMA), a world-renowned organization that is part of the French Ministry of Culture and focused on preserving and supporting the work of craft artisans.
Under the creative direction of celebrated designers Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman, students learned valuable skills and techniques from INMA artisans and designers, which they were then able to integrate into their thesis collections. The collaboration between the students and INMA professionals created a dialogue involving heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation, resulting in the production of a variety of contemporary pieces.
Students participating in the project had the rare opportunity to have their work displayed in both Paris and New York City. Pieces were exhibited at the INMA Gallery in Paris and at the Parsons Benefit in New York, while a photography exhibition documenting the collaboration was presented at the legendary Élysée Montmartre in Paris.
