Prada marks 25 years of its academy, rules out Armani bid

Prada marked the 25th anniversary of the Prada Group Academy on November 28 with a press conference featuring scion Lorenzo Bertelli and CEO Andrea Guerra at its Scandicci leather goods facility in Florence. The Academy was created to equip new generations with Made-in-Italy craftsmanship skills, a mission gaining urgency amid global scrutiny of “Made in Italy” sweatshops and wage disparities in luxury production. Since the 1990s, Prada has steadily internalized its supply chain by directly acquiring and operating factories in Valvigna, Scandicci, and Terranuova. This approach, once questioned for its cost and complexity, now positions Prada as a leader in supply-chain transparency through full ownership and constant oversight. The Scandicci site will also serve Versace as the brand becomes fully integrated into the group's production and management system. Guerra stated Prada Group will devote the next three years to supporting Versace's integration and growth. As a result, the company will not participate in any potential bid for Giorgio Armani, nor pursue other acquisitions near-term. Guerra noted successful M&A requires not only financial capacity but operational ability to absorb brands into a unified production, retail, and management ecosystem. AI will strengthen, not replace, artisan value Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence's impact on luxury craftsmanship, Bertelli acknowledged the transition may feel unsettling but argued it will ultimately strengthen rather than threaten artisan value. Technical know-how cannot be substituted by AI, he said, giving blue-collar craftspeople a structural advantage over white-collar roles more exposed to automation. Bertelli compared the current moment to the internet era, predicting AI will create new forms of employment rather than eliminate them. He said he is not worried about its long-term impact on the next generation of makers. The comments reflect growing industry debate over how automation will reshape luxury production, where handcraft remains a premium selling point even as brands adopt digital tools for design and operations.

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Prada marks 25 years of its academy, rules out Armani bid