Goal: Build a sustainable ecological system for gifted people, who have limited market reach.
Customer : A person who will pay for and value authenticity. Someone who understands the value of hand crafted works of art.
The Vehicle : Luxury Brands that are committed to building ecological systems. They drive value through making authentic, hand crafted, art available through new applications (e.g. traditional weaving used in designer wear)
The Result : A virtuous cycle. The artisan creates art, in the traditional approach for a completely new application, that has tremendous relevance in the product category, marketed by the luxury brand, owned by the discerning consumer, leading to more art in newer applications and leading to sustainable development of the artisan and an evolution of art.
The Vehicle : Luxury Brands that are committed to building ecological systems. They drive value through making authentic, hand crafted, art available through new applications (e.g. traditional weaving used in designer wear)
The Result : A virtuous cycle. The artisan creates art, in the traditional approach for a completely new application, that has tremendous relevance in the product category, marketed by the luxury brand, owned by the discerning consumer, leading to more art in newer applications and leading to sustainable development of the artisan and an evolution of art.
My position is to be the go-between, connecting the brands to the artisans and encouraging the brands to integrate the artisans craft and skills more into the products (rather than an applique approach). The tactic would be similar to the surrealist art of the exquisite corspe. Almost finished garments would be sent to the artisans and they would have the opportunity to complete them by using weaving techniques.
Mission Statement: Due to a limited market reach, artisans struggle to distribute their product and lack sufficient means to find new applications for their techniques. The purpose of this project is to act as a guardian for rights of artisans, facilitating a fair exchange between artisans and luxury brands to assist in the introduction of the artisan talent pool to the luxury brand market and as such create a stream of wealth back to the artisans and their local economies.
1 comment:
Hi Patricia,
I think that you are on to something important here. I believe that existing models for businesses making luxury goods are anachronistic; new ways of thinking about how value can be added beyond pure functionality is needed, and your idea of promoting "gifted" local artisans as the new "top designers" is very smart and appealing. I remember that when I was traveling around in New Mexico in the early 90's, I became aware of an exquisite type of
pottery that was perfected by Maria Martinez, a Pueblo Indian. Her pots became well known around the world, and they also became very valuable collector's items. I am wondering if this provides an example of what you are talking about.
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