Beware of knockoff, sometimes it can be surprising..Dior Creates New Industrial Department, Taps EssilorLuxottica Veteran as Chief Production Officer. The French luxury house vowed to take a larger proportion of its production in-house following a scandal over subcontractors in Italy.
After being hit by a scandal over its subcontractors in Italy earlier this year, Dior is bolstering its in-house production arm. The French luxury house revealed Wednesday the creation of a new industrial department, tasked with strengthening its overall production capacity over the long term and ensuring the continuity of its knowhow.
“It is more important than ever to sustainably support our various production processes at each stage of manufacturing, respecting the ethical regulations in force, overseeing all the house’s activities, while preserving and promoting Dior’s creativity, craftsmanship and exceptional savoir-faire,” said Delphine Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer of Christian Dior Couture.
Several Chinese-owned firms producing luxury goods in Italy were investigated for allegations of worker exploitation. “Dior will continue to offer the best working conditions to all who contribute, with immense commitment and remarkable know-how, to the creation of Dior’s finest quality products, and will continue to follow the evolution of its artisanal products, including the integration of production into its own workshops,” the company said at the time.
As chief industrial officer, Giorgio Striano will take over from Jan. 2 at Dior. Striano will report to Arnault and be a member of the executive committee of the French house. He is based in Milan and oversees all Dior’s industrial activities.
After starting his career at Procter & Gamble, he led major industrial operations in Asia and the United States. Nicolas Carré will succeed Patrice Guillemin as industrial director for leather goods, shoes, and fashion jewelry on Sunday.
Both Guillemin and Striano will report to Striano as director of industrial projects. Originally from France, Carré is an expert in leather goods and production.
Previously, he served in various positions in Louis Vuitton’s industrial departments in France, the U.S., and Italy for over two decades.