In Italy's rich cultural landscape, we are thrilled to announce the second edition of the Maestri d’Eccellenza award, proudly presented by Métiers d'Excellence LVMH in collaboration with Loro Piana, Confartigianato Imprese, and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana
This award honors our commitment to celebrate and recognize the outstanding artisanal skills and heritage symbolized by the "Made in Italy" quality mark. As we prepare for this year's gathering, we invite Italian artisans to share their unique talents and apply for this prize.
The Métiers d'Excellence LVMH awaits the participation of top Italian artisans in the second edition of the Maestri d’Eccellenza award.
As for this year, the three winners (one for each category) will also be granted:
- €10,000 to reinvest in their business;
- Media exposure;
- Up to 1 year of mentoring with professionals belonging to the Maison Loro Piana, on topics and with a timing to be agreed with the Maison.
- Dedicated visits to the Maison Loro Piana factories, times and methods to be agreed with the Maison, with the aim of learning more about the production processes and the savoir-faire of the artisans and technicians involved, and the possibility of evaluating possible collaborations between the Maison and the winning artisans.
Who can apply?
The competition is accessible to Italian artisans, professionals and companies created at least 12 months before participation; everyone can apply to one category only. Registrations will be open until 15 May 2024. A pre-jury, made up of representatives of the four partners, will identify the 9 finalists - 3 per category.
Three categories, three winners
This year these are the three categories confirmed:
- Maestro Artigiano d’Eccellenza: dedicated to expert craftsmen who have distinguished themselves for the quality of their projects, for their professional path, for the development strategy and the transmission of savoir-faire linked to Italian tradition and heritage. This award is aimed at professionals and companies with at least 5 years of experience behind them.
- Maestro Emergente Artigiano d’Eccellenza: dedicated to emerging talents engaged in craftsmanship and with a promising project, created at least in the 5 years prior to registration.
- Maestro dell’Innovazione d’Eccellenza: dedicated to companies and professionals who have distinguished themselves for their ability to innovate, preserving historical knowledge and skills and reinterpreting them in a modern key.
Apart from artisans in Textile, Clothing, Leather Goods, Footwear, Tailoring, Eyewear, Jewelry, and fashion product components, the “Home decor” section has been added to this year's category.
The winners from last year
Three talented artisans have stood out during the debut of the Maestri d’Eccellenza award under the distinguished Métiers d'Excellence LVMH banner.
Fabio Ottaviano - Maestro Artigiano d’Eccellenza 2023
From the artisanal workshop in Portici, near Naples, Fabio Ottaviano has mastered the ancient art of cameo creation since 1947. His works are careful hand-carvings on shells, mother-of-pearl, or hard stones, using techniques that have been cherished for millennia. Fabio Ottaviano's pieces are renowned for their extraordinary translucence and voluminous drapery, blending traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, making his cameo a unique fusion of history and contemporary taste.
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Ilaria Soncini (Ilariusss) - Maestro Emergente Artigiano d’Eccellenza 2023
Based in Milan and founded in 2022, Ilariusss by Ilaria Soncini redefines contemporary millinery with its dramatic and eccentric headwear. Collaborating often with prestigious fashion houses, Ilariusss crafts each piece by hand, embracing traditional techniques from millinery, haute couture, and theatrical costume design. Using a diverse array of materials and methods—from embroidery and dyeing to metal structuring—Ilariusss produces bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces that embody artistic flair and craftsmanship.
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Verabuccia® - Maestro dell’Innovazione d’Eccellenza 2023
Innovators from Rome, Verabuccia®, founded in 2019, has revolutionized the fashion industry by creating new materials from fruit peel waste. This dynamic duo has patented a process that transforms non-edible vegetable peels into a unique textile through a cleansing and bonding process without the use of plastics or coatings. This tactile material showcases unique characteristics and exemplifies a circular economy, reducing waste and promoting sustainability in fashion.
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These artisans, with their unique visions and outstanding skills, not only won the prestigious award but also received a prize thoughtfully designed to support their growth and development in the industry. Who will be the winners of 2024? You could be one!
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We invite artisans from every corner of Italy to come forth and apply. This award is a stage for artisans to shine, and challenge conventional boundaries. Join us in the celebration of excellence, tradition, and innovation that drives the "Made in Italy" legacy forward.
