Saint Laurent's Atelier Maroquinerie is a reality. The Maison's new Center of Excellence, a maxi hub of nearly 29,000 square meters for the development and production of accessories and leather goods, has taken its place in the former Finance Building on Via del Parlamento Europeo in Scandicci (Fi). It will house Saint Laurent's research and development activities, promoting innovation in materials and components. The atelier will employ more than 500 artisans and technicians who will develop advanced technological solutions and new processing techniques there to take the brand's quality of materials, production efficiency and sustainability to new heights.
All prototypes and samples will see the light of day here: production activity at the site will be limited to highly specialized items and complex projects requiring the highest degree of technical expertise. "By bringing together the development of accessories and leather goods under one roof," said Francesca Bellettini, Saint Laurent's CEO, "the atelier will be an environment designed to share expertise, generate new ideas, and encourage experimentation. It will help us achieve our ambition of developing the world's most desirable leather goods and accessories."
In addition to the creation of prototypes and samples, the Atelier Maroquinerie will also be the brand's center of excellence for repairs and after-sales support. The facility will provide product repair and rejuvenation services for customers in Europe, while training colleagues from different repair centers around the world to ensure consistency of quality and service globally. For this, the atelier also houses a specialized school to train new recruits and provide advanced courses for experienced staff.
The atelier opens in the former "Palazzo delle Finanze" in Scandicci, owned by CDP Real Asset (CDP Group): the project included the renovation of the existing buildings, which have been unused for years, and the creation of new green spaces. "We are witnessing a historic moment for our area, which we have been waiting for a long time and for which we have worked with perseverance and determination," commented the mayor of Scandicci, Sandro Fallani. "By teaming up between institutions and Ysl, excellence in the luxury leather goods sector, we have transformed a negative national symbol into a place of work of the highest quality.
