Bottega Veneta has introduced the Accademia Labor et Ingenium, an academy to build upon the Kering-owned fashion house’s deep-rooted association with the traditional “bottega” or workshop, where skilled artisans have long cultivated their expertise and passed down knowledge from one generation to another.
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At the core of the academy’s mission lies a training programme guided by five Bottega Veneta master artisans, accommodating 50 students annually and offering a comprehensive educational journey. Upon successful completion of the course, these students will be guaranteed employment at Bottega Veneta.
The Accademia Labor et Ingenium is dedicated to fostering growth and development within the existing Bottega Veneta employee community, offering upskilling and reskilling curricula tailored to enhance the capabilities of current staff members, ensuring they stay abreast of evolving industry trends and maintain their professional edge.
“Accademia Labor et Ingenium is a key strategic pillar to preserve Bottega Veneta’s
unique savoir-faire,” said Bottega Veneta CEO, Leo Rongone.
“Exceptional craft and creativity are essential to our brand and to the heritage of our home region in Veneto. With the Accademia, we take the collective ethos at the heart of Bottega Veneta to a new level, building on our rich history of skill-sharing and innovation to nurture the artisans of the future.”
Additionally, the academy will collaborate with regional partners to provide training initiatives that celebrate the creativity and dynamism of the Veneto region, while instilling a deep appreciation for the heritage of Italian craftsmanship.
The academy’s name, derived from the brand’s founding principles, resonates with its original company crest: Labor et Ingenium, meaning ‘Craft and Creativity’.
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Spanning across the Bottega Veneta atelier in Montebello Vicentino and a dedicated new space at the brand’s manufacturing site in Povolaro Dueville, the Accademia Labor et Ingenium serves as a permanent institution where Bottega Veneta employees, new recruits, and external students can engage in a continuous learning experience.