Create

Through innovation and knowledge sharing, Kering espouses groundbreaking solutions and processes leading to the mainstream adoption of sustainable practices. The Group is committed to transparently sharing its knowledge using an open source approach, well suited to fostering results-oriented ideas and new talent.

Imagining disruptive innovation

Through collaboration with startups and academia, Kering develops new sourcing solutions and innovative raw materials. Disruptive innovation makes use of biotechnologies and circular economy principles, such as using recycled fibers to create new garments.

To turn the idea of sustainable fashion into reality,the Group created the Material Innovation Lab (MIL) in 2013. The MIL seeks to identify sustainable and responsible alternatives in materials and fabrics. As the Lab continues to develop, Kering’s Houses have access to more than 3,000 fabric samples. A similar platform was launched for the Watches and Jewelry Houses.

In 2017, Kering partnered with the Fashion for Good-Plug and Play accelerator. The goal: to identify pioneering startups and support their development while ensuring innovation that embraces sustainability.

Empowering future generations

Kering supports training new generations of designers. The Group has partnered with universities worldwide to design sustainability curriculums. For example, Kering has created a conference program in China’s Tsinghua University and at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the United States. The Sustainable Fashion Award is granted annually in London thanks to a partnership with the London College of Fashion.

In 2018, Kering and the London College of Fashion launched fashion and sustainability open-access online courses (MOOCs). Combining videos, podcasts, exercises and discussions, the MOOCs cater to professionals, students and the general public interested in promoting sustainable practices for the greater good.

In 2020, Kering and the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) launched the IFM-Kering Sustainability Chair. The Chair will seek to create a first-class research and teaching center in the fashion industry, incorporating all aspects of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Training modules dedicated to responsible fashion are also developed for training courses ranging from CAP to Bac+5 (French vocational qualifications through to Master’s level) in creation, management and craftsmanship. 

Finally, the Group launched a Young Leaders Advisory Group search to encourage innovative and inspiring ideas.