Kering Launches CRAFT Residency: Chinese Designers to Master Art and Technology Across Italy, Paris, and Shanghai

On March 30, 2026, the global luxury group Kering officially announced the ten fellows selected for the inaugural Kering CRAFT Residency. This groundbreaking creative program, which focuses on the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, fashion, and modern technology, was developed in close collaboration with Shanghai Fashion Week. Since its initial unveiling in November 2025, the initiative has generated immense interest within the design community, attracting over 100 applications from ambitious Chinese designers.

This initiative distinguishes itself from other educational endeavors within the luxury sector. Unlike Kering's previous projects, which were largely comprised of scholarships, short-term workshops, and academic partnerships like the Women In Motion program, the CRAFT Residency is the group's first long-term residency. Structured across three comprehensive phases in Italy, Paris, and Shanghai, the program represents a strategic shift toward building a systemic platform for nurturing the next generation of artistic visionaries.

With a primary focus on apparel and jewelry design, the ten chosen participants exhibit unique creative identities and a profound cultural sensitivity. Each designer brings a bold, innovative spirit and significant potential to the global stage. Their conceptual frameworks seamlessly blend local Chinese heritage with a universal artistic language, often drawing from Chinese philosophy and traditional aesthetics to offer a contemporary perspective on global creative evolution.

The residency is meticulously organized into three core stages, each serving as an independent pillar of artistic exploration and technical development for the fellows.

The first phase will take place in Italy from May to June 2026. Participants will travel to the historic heartlands of Italian craftsmanship, where they will work in authentic ateliers to master ancient techniques. By studying traditional methods of textile production, intricate embroidery, and lace-making, these young artists will learn to treat cultural heritage as a living, breathing source of inspiration for modern artistic expression.

From July to September 2026, the program moves to Paris, the epicenter of the global art and fashion world. During this second phase, the designers will gain unprecedented access to the archives and specialized workshops of iconic Kering houses, including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen. Here, they will experiment with avant-garde materials and digital tools, such as 3D modeling and augmented reality, to create works that sit at the boundary of fashion and contemporary art.

The final stage of the program returns to Shanghai, spanning from October 2026 through the spring of 2027. Under the guidance of esteemed international mentors, the participants will finalize their individual artistic projects. These culminating works are scheduled for a high-profile public debut during a dedicated art program at Shanghai Fashion Week in 2027, showcasing the results of their extensive global journey.

Reflecting on the program's significance, Demna, the Creative Director of Gucci and a member of the residency’s Advisory Board, shared his enthusiasm for the project. He noted that he has long been fascinated by the creative potential, innovation, and technical expertise found within China. Demna expressed his pride in supporting this new wave of Chinese talent and his anticipation of how they will influence the future landscape of global fashion.

The Kering CRAFT Residency highlights a growing trend where major luxury groups act as vital cultural institutions. By investing in the long-term growth of new artistic voices rather than just commercial products, Kering is fostering a meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. This initiative explores the limitless possibilities of creativity in the digital age, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship remains relevant and transformative in an increasingly technological world.