OTB aims to preserve Made in Italy skills
Fashion group and Diesel-owner OTB Group has launched the fifth edition of its School of Craftsmanship, an in-house training academy designed to pass on artisanal and manufacturing expertise.
This year, the school will run two classes, and for the first time will introduce specialist pathways in collection product development, pattern-making and tailoring.
Renzo Rosso, founder of the OTB Group, said: “Made in Italy is a heritage born from the union of creativity and expertise, a combination that has made us a unique global benchmark, with more than 80% of the world’s luxury production. The strength of our system lies in the ability to transform an idea into an extraordinary product, thanks to the work of our artisans and the dedication of our wonderful supply chain.”
Since the project began, more than 50 young talents have been trained, with 85% hired within the group.
Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy (pictured), said training, skills and the transmission of know-how are what the country needs most. “The OTB School of Craftsmanship best embodies our manufacturing tradition, an expression of Italian know-how: that of the Renaissance workshops, where masters passed on knowledge and talent to new generations,” he added. “It is from this connection between experience and youth that the strength of our Made in Italy is born - handed down from generation to generation - capable of combining quality, creativity and expertise while continuing to grow in global markets.”
Made in Italy Day is held on April 15.
OTB also owns Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor&Rolf, as well as Staff International and Brave Kid.
