Navigating Sustainability in French Luxury with Comité Colbert in NYC
Personal conversations: Insights from Comité Colbert's Sustainability Journey
Last Tuesday, the 13th, brushed with the first whispers of snow, I wandered towards Villa Albertine in NYC, each step dance in a dream.
When I arrived, the air was thick with the essence of Maisons, each guest a story, a fragment of this tapestry. And here, a pause to send my thanks into the ether — to the BPCM team for the open doors to press events and for the stories I gather and share with you through the words of my newsletter.
That morning, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Comité Colbert's "Sustainability in the French Luxury Industry."
Hosted by Bénédicte Epinay, CEO and President of Comité Colbert, and Mohamed Bouabdallah, Director of Villa Albertine, the event marked the release of the organization's third sustainability journal in the United States. The journal will be circulated with the New York Times (today) on February 16, 2024, as part of a one-time distribution partnership.
Bénédicte Epinay set the stage by highlighting Comité Colbert's longstanding commitment to sustainability, dating back to its inception in 1954. She emphasized the importance of preserving craftsmanship and shared insights into the organization's journey toward sustainability, including establishing core values in 2008 and publishing its first sustainability report in 2021.
After the panel concluded, I had the privilege of engaging in a one-on-one conversation with CEO Bénédicte Épinay. We discussed pivotal topics shaping the future of luxury brands and the profound impact of Comité Colbert's new sustainability magazine.
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the American market, Comité Colbert saw fit to bring its members' commitments to the forefront with the release of its latest ESG publication in the United States. Laurent Claquin, Ambassador of Comité Colbert in the USA and President of Kering Americas, hailed the magazine as a testament to the industry's collective efforts in sustainability.
The panel discussions delved into the meaning of sustainability for luxury maisons and the concrete actions to promote sustainability within their organizations. Leaders from LVMH, Kering Americas, Richemont Americas Fashion and Accessories Division, Christofle Americas, Guerlain USA, and Ruinart USA shared insights into their sustainability initiatives, covering topics ranging from diversity policies to biodiversity protection.
Moderated by Bénédicte Epinay, the panel highlighted ESG initiatives in the United States, such as LVMH's partnership with Miami Design District and Christofle's Vintage Collection launch. Chloé announced its pioneering sailing boat transportation from France to the United States, showcasing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
The event concluded with a presentation of Comité Colbert's "Les De(ux) Mains du Luxe" event in Paris, aimed at promoting craftsmanship to younger generations.
The journal includes many stories from small brands and maisons about their craftsmanship and dealing with repair or counterfeiting problems.For example, what happens if your Cartier watch needs a little TLC?
According to Anouchka Didier-Mansour, Cartier's International Sustainability Director, it's all about sustainability and repairability!
Anouchka spoke on Cartier's long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of durability in their creations. And get this – even if a part from a vintage model is nowhere to be found, Cartier's timepiece restoration service, established 1990 in Switzerland, swoops in to save the day. Talk about timeless elegance!
As I ponder the discussions from Comité Colbert's NYC event, I'm left questioning: are we genuinely progressing towards impactful change, or are we merely skimming the surface of a more profound issue? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Overall, the panel provided valuable insights into the intersection of sustainability and luxury in the French industry, inspiring attendees to consider their role in fostering a more sustainable future.
Vera
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