Being part of the Made in India programme, BE OPEN’s discussion panel saw five international guest speakers discussing their observations on how new brands are emerging to reinvent and reposition traditional local design and craftsmanship, successfully re connecting with heritage and making as part of their marketing strategy.
It is common practice for luxury fashion and design to involve high- level handcrafted products, but now we are seeing an increasing presence of traditional products in the contemporary international market and there is a tangible impact on both sectors: craftsmen have become more aware of their importance and their role in the production chain, while international brands are increasingly commissioning exquisite handmade items to gain exclusivity in this crowded marketplace.
The panel explored successful global stories representing the link between international players and local producers. Different experiences in the worlds of design, fashion and jewellery have been presented to illustrate the benefits of an interconnection which has not always been easy but is growing stronger and will surely be part of the future of making.
The panel of international speakers shared thoughts about:
– ‘Acting local, thinking global’ – Angelika Taschen, Publisher
– ‘Increasing the profile of handmade works / crafts in luxury output’ – Raymond Simpson, Dominion Diamond Corporation
– ‘How craftsmanship could drive employment and generate prosperity’ – Amy Kazmin, the Financial Times
– ‘The importance of teamwork in the craft process’ – Armando Branchini, Altagamma
– ‘A future where humans are more intelligent and enabled than machines’ – Anupama Kundoo, architect.
