BOTTEGA VENETA ORGANIZES CHARITABLE INITIATIVE WITH UNIVERSITA’ IUAV DI VENEZIA AND GIACOMO RUMOR – CENTRO PRODUTTIVITA’ VENETO FOUNDATION
Tokyo – Bottega Veneta is pleased to announce a charitable initiative open to those affected by Japan’s March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The initiative will provide the opportunity for 3 Japanese youths to travel to Italy and participate in a 3 month long advanced course developed by Bottega Veneta, in collaboration with Universita luav di Venezia and Giacomo Rumor – Centro Produttivita Veneto Foundation, encompassing bag design and product development. The decision to sponsor the initiative is in keeping with Bottega Veneta’s continued efforts to support the next generation of designers and artisans, while continuing to give back to a region that has close ties with the brand.
The initiative, presented in late September 2011, is open to Japanese students or recent graduates between the ages of 18-30 affected by the natural disasters. Those applicable have the opportunity until November 7, 2011 to submit an essay on their motivation for the application as well as what they have personally learned through their experience and how they have overcome the disaster. By mid November, six finalists will be selected and interviewed, from which the three candidates will be chosen. For these young men and women, winning is the beginning of an experience that will take them to Italy in January 2012, where they will be provided a complete view of all the stylistic and technical details relating to the planning and construction of high quality leather bags, and will learn practical techniques used in high-quality leather interfacing directly from skilled technicians and craftsman. “This is an exciting initiative and I am pleased to be able to support the further development and creative efforts these young adults strive for. I am continuously moved by the courage and determination of the Japanese people and with craftsmanship at the heart of the brand, it is not only our responsibility, but our pleasure to be able to provide this opportunity,” says Tomas Maier. “Bottega Veneta’s collaboration with Universita luav di Venezia and Giacomo Rumor – Centro Produttivita Veneto Foundation in the development of this course has been an optimistic and meaningful venture and I’m certain it will be an inspiring and unmatched experience for the Japanese students, who I couldn’t be happier to offer the opportunity to.” “Bottega Veneta is deeply committed to nurturing the abilities of young people,” says President and CEO Marco Bizzarri. “We believe this is an immeasurable opportunity by enabling these young designers with the opportunity to receive valuable life-long skills to succeed in their future careers, and are pleased to be a part of this meaningful and socially committed initiative.”
During this year’s Fashion’s Night Out festivities in Japan, 10% of sales from that day at the brands Omotesando store will be donated in support of the student initiative.
