Since its November 2025 launch, ‘Kering CRAFT: Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion, and Technology’ has generated substantial buzz among China’s creative community. In response to high demand and frequent enquiries, a dedicated seminar was recently held at the SFDA Designer’s Home to clarify the program’s framework and application process.

At a recent seminar, Kering’s Greater China president Cai Jinqing introduced the Kering CRAFT program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing the next wave of creative leaders. By combining creative practice with industry collaboration and sustainability, the program offers a clear roadmap for talent development. Designers in attendance received a thorough breakdown of the selection process and participation guidelines, engaging in direct dialogue about the program’s implementation.
 
Kering CRAFT represents the latest evolution of the collaboration between Kering Group and Shanghai Fashion Week. Following the momentum of the Kering Generation Award, this partnership seeks to accelerate the growth of forward-thinking Chinese talent. The goal is twofold: to provide designers with the tools to scale and to discover the future “global + local” brands that will define the Chinese fashion landscape.

Meticulously curated by Kering Group, this global program spans France, Italy, and China, connecting the fashion hubs of Milan, Florence, Paris, and Shanghai. The year-long immersive journey is anchored by a mandatory eight-week European residency, offering participants unparalleled access to and exchange with Kering’s iconic luxury houses. Complemented by domestic training in China, the program merges craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation to spark vital dialogues on heritage and the evolving business models of the luxury sector.

 
In her opening remarks, Madame LV, secretary general of the Shanghai Fashion Week Organizing Committee and executive VP of SFDA, affirmed the organisation’s full support. She emphasised that they would leverage Shanghai Fashion Week’s extensive network and the SFDA’s talent platform to provide ongoing resources and professional collaboration. This partnership is designed to establish a future-oriented cultivation mechanism, elevating Chinese design capabilities and driving the industry’s creative transformation.
 
By Sissi Chu