Training the Next Generation of Italian Artisans

Serving as the creative backbone of Italian fashion for centuries, artisans hold the key to the industry’s future.

But a dearth of bench strength in the younger generations is prompting brand executives and manufacturers to take action to ensure the future.
In the aftermath of the country’s economic crisis, unemployment rates among those between the ages of 15 and 29 measured 28 percent in July — compared to 17.5 percent in 2004. Fashion executives say this number shows Italian youth isn’t attracted to careers in crafts, with many emigrating to other countries to find their futures. The solution being eyed by the industry is to create more and better fashion schools to train a new breed of artisans, which in turn, they hope, will attract more production.
These new artisans will not only be able to use their hands in a specialized craft to create something beautiful and unique, they will be skilled in using highly sophisticated technology and also have a solid understanding of market requests and of the needs of specific distribution channels. Hopefully, they will also learn how to transform tradition into something modern and marketable.