From Threads to Timepieces: Visionary Women Entrepreneurs in the Artisanal Realm

Crafting Excellence: LVMH and ELLE Spotlight Trailblazing Artisans in the Third Prix des Artisanes.

 

The third Prix des Artisanes, organised in partnership between LVMH and ELLE, ELLE Décoration and ELLE à Table magazines, was a great success, with over 700 applications.

In a resplendent celebration of craftsmanship and innovation, LVMH and ELLE recently unveiled the exceptional winners of the third edition of the Prix des Artisanes. The event, organized in collaboration with ELLE, ELLE Décoration, and ELLE à Table magazines, witnessed an overwhelming response with over 700 applications, showcasing the depth of talent within the realms of Fashion, Design and Tableware, Winemaking, Preservation of French Heritage, and the newly introduced category of Jewellery and Watchmaking.

The prestigious ceremony, held at the iconic LVMH headquarters, brought together the eminent jury members under the sponsorship of Mrs. Rima Abdul Malak, French Minister of Culture. Chantal Gaemperle, the Group’s EVP Human Resources and Synergies, Antoine Arnault, Image and Environment, LVMH, and Valérie Salomon, President of CMI France, emphasized the pivotal role of preserving skills and trades of excellence, echoing the importance of highlighting female role models in the craft sector to inspire future generations.

The winners of the Prix des Artisanes 2023 stand as paragons of creativity, resilience, and artisanship:

• Cécile Feilchenfeldt (Fashion), Textile Designer: Hailing from Munich and trained in Switzerland, Cécile Feilchenfeldt’s dedication to textile design led her to explore weaving, printing, and knitting. Her refusal to specialize in a single technique has enriched her work at CECILE FEILCHENFELDT KNITWEARSTUDIO in Paris, where she crafts artisanal knitwear.
• Marine Billet (Jewellery and Watchmaking), Craftswoman Jeweler: An architect turned jeweler, Marine Billet’s passion for architecture influences her innovative approach. Her brand, INCARNEM, explores the ordinary, seeking to impart everyday objects with surprise and enchantment through techniques such as lost-wax casting.
• Solenne Jolivet (Design and Tableware), Artist Designer: Based in Aubervilliers, Solenne Jolivet seamlessly blends art and craft in her textile practice. Her work, straddling painting, drawing, and sculpture, introduces thread marquetry, redefining the textile surface and creating trompe l’œil effects reminiscent of wood, stone, marble, and iron.
• Leslie Villiaume (Preservation of the French Heritage), Watchmaker: A master craftsman of art, Leslie Villiaume combines her love for mechanics with a deep understanding of the history of technology. She excels in heritage restoration, watch design and manufacture, and has the distinct honor of being the first woman to maintain the clocks at the Château de Versailles.
• Marie-Françoise Devichi (Winemaking), Winemaker: Marie-Françoise Devichi’s journey from studying medicine to revitalizing her family’s wine estate in Patrimonio, Haute-Corse, is nothing short of remarkable. As the President of the Patrimonio PDO Winegrowers’ Association, she has become a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated field of winemaking.
  

  @LVMH and @ELLE Honor Visionary Women Entrepreneurs in the Artisanal Realm

  

  winners of the @Prix des Artisanes 2023

In addition to these exceptional winners, the Prix des Artisanes 2023 also awarded a special mention to the team responsible for preserving and restoring Agence France-Presse’s photographic archives.

Composed entirely of women, this team plays a vital role in maintaining a collection of 6 million iconic photos that chronicle French history from the Paris Commune in 1871 to contemporary events like the Notre-Dame fire.

Chantal Gaemperle, EVP, Human Resources and Synergies at LVMH, expressed her admiration for the exceptional talent showcased in this year’s edition, emphasizing the importance of creating awareness around professions that may not always receive due recognition. She highlighted the alignment of the Prix des Artisanes with the “Métiers d’Excellence” initiatives, aimed at inspiring future generations and passing on skills.

Antoine Arnault, Image & Environment, LVMH, conveyed his pride in witnessing the remarkable growth of the prize, underscoring the shared values of excellence and creativity with the prize-winners. He noted that these values are central to the LVMH group and its Maisons, which are dedicated to the Art of Crafting Dreams through exceptional products and experiences.

The third Prix des Artisanes not only honored the talent and dedication of these exceptional women entrepreneurs but also served as a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship and innovation within the luxury sector. As their stories unfold, these artisans are bound to inspire and pave the way for future generations, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of French artisanship.