Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton LVMH Group Launches Its Metiers D’excellence Initiative In China, Reinforcing Its Commitment To Exceptional Savoir-Faire
Updated: Nov 27
Following the opening of 2024 China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the LVMH Group proudly announced the official launch of Métiers d'Excellence in China. This initiative underscores the Group's dedication to preserving and promoting exceptional craftsmanship and its unique art of retail.
Ten years after the creation of the Institut des Métiers d'Excellence (IME) in Paris and building on the success of its growth in France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Japan, Germany, and the USA, LVMH Métiers d'Excellence is now making its debut in China.
To mark the launch of this initiative, LVMH hosted the inaugural edition of "SHOW ME -China," welcoming more than 200 guests to the Cathay Cinema in Shanghai. The event celebrated LVMH Chinese talents awarded the rank of “virtuosos” who demonstrate exceptional skill in their crafts and pass on their know-how to new generations and featured conversations about French and Chinese savoir-faire as well as, key developments of Métiers d'Excellence in China.
On November 6th, “Show ME -China” featured some official speeches from Andrew Wu, LVMH Group President of Greater China, insisting on the importance of China for LVMH, Marc-Antoine Jamet, LVMH General Secretary, retracing the special relationship between France & China for the group; completed by Bertrand LORTHOLARY the French ambassador in China. Guests also heard testimonies from “virtuosos”, exceptional LVMH Chinese talents, about their careers within the Group, from Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari sharing the apprenticeship program already established with the Maison in China and feedback from the Métiers d’Excellence Master classes which started this year to help the discover and better understand the unique craftmanship from this iconic Maisons cultures for cross-Maison young talents.
New partnerships with local vocational schools were also featured. The event was punctuated by artistic performances illustrating the cultural ties between China and France, and concluded with the awarding of the 2024 virtuosos, who received a brooch designed by Louis Vuitton Artistic Director of Watches and Jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof and crafted in Louis Vuitton’s ateliers in France.
Show ME - China was also the occasion to announce the official roadmap for Métiers d’Excellence in China with four major priorities:
Publicizing the Group's savoir-faire Professions: a comprehensive mapping of professions in China has identified over 60 Métiers d'Excellence, which include technical roles in after-sales services (such as watchmaking technicians and retouchers), craft métiers (like letter painters), and customer experience professions (retail and sales associates). In total, nearly 300 craftsmen and craftswomen, along with nearly 16 000 sales advisors, form the Métiers d'Excellence community in China. This initial inventory will guide the development of programs tailored to meet their needs and the development of these skills in our Maisons.
Experiencing Heritage savoir-faire: high-quality, creative products are central to the LVMH Group's desirability and performance. The Métiers d'Excellence initiative fosters collaboration between creative, artisanal, and customer experience professions. Since March 2024, six masterclasses led by Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Bvlgari, Dior, and Tiffany have allowed LVMH talents based in China, especially the younger generation, to immerse themselves in these specialized crafts. These experiences transform them into passionate ambassadors of the Maisons for their clientele. These masterclasses exemplify the commitment of LVMH Maisons in China to the preservation and promotion of heritage craftsmanship.
Training the Next Generation: True to its mission of transmitting unique expertise, Métiers d'Excellence supports the training initiatives of LVMH Maisons in China. Tailor-made programs are being developed to elevate the savoir-faire of their talents, including:
Repair Center Apprentice Program by Louis Vuitton
Beauty Retail Camp by LVMH Beauty
Jewelry Technician Apprentice Program by Bvlgari
Career Pioneer Prep Camp by Moët Hennessy Diageo
Recognizing the Group's Talents: this year, LVMH will honor 12 Chinese virtuosos for their exceptional careers and unwavering commitment to excellence. These individuals will play a crucial role in the ongoing transmission of savoir-faire within China.
In this year of celebration of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, the Métiers d'Excellence initiative is contributing to a rich cultural encounter and strengthening of ties between these two nations. The spirit of Métiers d'Excellence lies in the integration of diverse cultures united by a shared passion for exceptional craftsmanship, empowering LVMH talents to inspire clients and perpetuate the dream of luxury for generations to come, all over the world.
