YOOX NET-A-PORTER:

The capsule, branded YOOX NET-A-PORTER for The Prince’s Foundation, is the culmination of The Modern Artisan project, a first of its kind partnership which aims to strengthen textile skills training and equip trainee artisans in the UK and Italy with the skills and confidence needed to produce luxury apparel collections to the highest standards.

An evolution of the relationship between HRH The Prince of Wales, President of The Prince’s Foundation, and Federico Marchetti, Chairman and CEO of YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP, the collection celebrates both the rich heritage and future of British and Italian textile craftsmanship.

The Modern Artisan project guides trainee artisans through the process of bringing a luxury collection to market, marrying training in data insights with sustainable practices and traditional production skills to equip the students for their future careers as truly modern artisans.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the artisans learned how data and technology can be intrinsic to the design process for lasting luxury. They were granted exclusive access to five years’ worth of YOOX NET-A-PORTER data on long-term preferences of the Group’s 4.3 million customers, to create a timeless collection they knew would resonate in the luxury customer’s wardrobe. They learnt how to process image data and use AI visual recognition to inform the styles and silhouettes of their designs. 

The collection design, carried out during the 500^th anniversary year of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, took inspiration from the convergence of art and science in da Vinci’s work. The result is a sophisticated collection that marries formal lines and simple construction. 

Sustainability is at the very heart of the collection, reflecting the shared values of The Prince’s Foundation whose President, HRH The Prince of Wales, has championed action for a sustainable future for more than four decades, and Federico Marchetti, Chairman and CEO of YOOX NET-A-PORTER. The Group has been dedicated to driving sustainability in luxury fashion since 2009.

A conscious selection of suppliers and high-quality materials were fundamental to ensure the collection stands the test of time and can be passed down through generations. Cashmere and wool were sourced from Scottish textiles firm Johnstons of Elgin while fully traceable, organic eco silk was sourced from Centro Seta in Italy. Natural and organic materials were prioritised, as was end-of-roll, and no synthetic fabrics were used in the collection.

Each style is equipped with a digital ID, providing the story behind the product, its materials, the artisans who designed and made it, as well as care and repair recommendations to enable customers to treasure these pieces for years to come.

All profits from the sale of the collection will be donated to The Prince's Foundation to enable the charity to develop and deliver training programmes that will help preserve traditional textile skills. 

The Modern Artisan project is a long-term partnership between YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP and The Prince’s Foundation, which will be showcased at Michelangelo Foundation’s Homo Faber in 2021.