Kering revealed the 10 designers who will participate in its new initiative in China dubbed CRAFT, which stands for Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion and Technology.

They are to commence an “international learning journey” in May, staring with a first stop in Italy, to be followed by Paris and Shanghai legs. “After the completion of all modules of the residency, the Kering CRAFT fellows will present a final creative project during Shanghai Fashion Week 2027,” the French fashion group said in a release Monday.

The program is to combine “hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and cultural exchange to advance craftsmanship, innovation, business development, and a sustainable fashion ecosystem,” it added.

Unveiled last November by Kering’s chief executive officer Luca de Meo in partnership with Shanghai Fashion Week, the initiative is designed to spotlight, accelerate and elevate the next generation of Chinese creative talent, and to foster dialogue and exchange between China and Europe in design, craftsmanship, innovation and future business models.

The selected designers are Cai Jiaen, Zhong Zixin, Hu Nan, Longhong Ziwei, Qi Yueqi, Wang Fengchen, Wei Donghui, Xia Rong, Xu Hao, Yu Gengyi and Zhong Zixin.

Kering said it received more than 100 applications for the program. The 10 were selected following a “rigorous evaluation and selection process” jointly conducted by Kering, Shanghai Fashion Week and the Kering CRAFT advisory board.

Gucci’s artistic director Demna and Chinese couturier Guo Pei headline the 12-member advisory board.

“The criteria included creativity and originality, craftsmanship and product excellence, growth prospects, and the embodiment of future luxury trends,” Kering noted.

Cai Jinqing, president of Kering Greater China, lauded the “creative passion, distinct perspectives, outstanding abilities and exceptional potential” of its first fellows.

“We look forward to meaningful learning and cultural exchange during their residency, and to further strengthening the richness and diversity of the CRAFT creative community together,” she said. “With a focus on fashion and jewelry design, the 10 chosen residents demonstrate distinct creative styles, keen cultural insights, bold innovative spirit, and strong business potential. Their design concepts also blend local originality with a global perspective.”