Kering announced the cohort of 10 fellows for the inaugural edition of Kering Craft – Creative Residency for Artisanship, Fashion and Technology, the Group’s pioneering program developed in partnership with Shanghai Fashion Week. Strengthening Kering’s support for emerging talent and fostering closer ties between Chinese and international creative communities, Kering Craft aims to accelerate the next generation of Chinese designers through a program spanning Milan, Paris, and Shanghai.

Since the official opening of applications in December 2025, over 100 excellent candidates have submitted their applications. In March 2026, an evaluation and selection process was jointly conducted by Kering, Shanghai Fashion Week, and the Kering Craft advisory board, composed of leading international experts across the luxury, fashion, and creative industries. The criteria included creativity and originality, craftsmanship and product excellence, growth prospects, and the embodiment of future luxury trends.

“We are grateful to the Kering Craft Advisory Board and Shanghai Fashion Week for their invaluable support in selecting this inaugural cohort of ten exceptional fellows," said CAI Jinqing, president of Kering Greater China. "Their creative passion, distinct perspectives, outstanding abilities, and exceptional potential embody China’s new generation of creators. 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.”

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. Many draw on Chinese culture and philosophy and reinterpret them into a global context, showcasing the inner cultural connections and heritage in contemporary fashion narratives.

“The creativity, innovation, and technical know-how in China are something I have always been fascinated by. I am excited to support the next generation of Chinese creatives and see how they will help shape the future of fashion," commented Demna, artistic director of Gucci and a member of the Kering Craft advisory board.

By offering an immersive pathway grounded in excellence and guided by world‑renowned experts, the program will combine hands‑on learning, expert mentorship, and cultural exchange to advance craftsmanship, innovation, business development, and a sustainable fashion ecosystem. Ultimately, Kering Craft’s ambition is to support the emergence of Chinese brands rooted in local culture and yet resonating worldwide.

The final cohort is composed of Cai Jiaen, fashion designer, J E Cai; Hu Nan, fashion designer, Nan Knits; Longhong Ziwei, jewelry designer, Soft Mountains; Qi Yueqi, fashion designer, Yueqi Qi; Wang Fengchen, fashion designer, Feng Chen Wang; Wei Donghui, fashion designer, Jacques Wei; Xia Rong, fashion designer, macro’Senses; Xu Hao, jewelry designer, qiqi; Yu Gengyi, jewelry designer, Midnight Opera House; and Zhong Zixin, fashion designer, Zhong Zixin.

The cohort will embark on the international learning journey of Kering Craft in May, visiting Italy as the first stop in Europe. Leveraging the learnings acquired after the completion of all modules of the residency, the Kering Craft fellows will present a final creative project during Shanghai Fashion Week 2027.