YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP & The Prince's Foundation

The Modern Artisan is a first-of-its-kind training programme developed by YOOX NET-A-PORTER and The Prince’s Foundation.

YOOX NET-A-PORTER is a leading online luxury and fashion retail business connecting 5.3 million customers in 180 countries to the world’s most coveted brands, bringing them outstanding style and impeccable service.

The Prince’s Foundation, of which HRH The Prince of Wales is President, provides holistic solutions to challenges facing the world today. The charity runs a diverse programme of education and training for people of all ages and backgrounds, with a particular focus on preserving traditional craft skills that are at risk of being lost.

The trainee Modern Artisans develop a range of skills from responsible design methods to reduce waste, like the application of data in the design process, to the sourcing and handling of natural luxury fabrics local to the project, such as silk from Northern Italy and Scottish cashmere. At The Prince’s Foundation’s Dumfries House in Scotland, every garment is handcrafted. They are guided to perfect high-end construction methods and specialised handcrafting techniques to make luxury garments to last a lifetime and beyond.

Over the course of two editions, 18 British and Italian graduates have had the opportunity to train as Modern Artisans in this unique programme, each bringing their own unique story to tell. While some had industry experience or dreamed of it, others embarked on this journey as a career change after experiences as diverse as studying law, working in construction and motherhood. The programme welcomes those from all walks of life, and these Modern Artisans are united through their passion for responsible design and luxury handcrafting.
Following a successful first edition, Modern Artisans have gone on to launch their own labels or work at luxury brands. The second edition’s cohort is working on a charity capsule collection that pushes the boundaries of innovative and responsible luxury design and garment making that will launch on NET-A-PORTER and YOOX later this year.

Details: Genealogies of Ornament Exhibition