BRUSSELS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Silvia Venturini Fendi, Creative Director of Fendi Accessories, today addressed, in the presence of European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, a wide audience at the EU Innovation Convention on the importance of culture and creativity as a driver of European competitiveness.
Fendi, one of the world’s most cherished luxury brands, has an extensive history steeped in beauty and traditional craftsmanship. Its rich culture inspires the creativity and innovation behind its products and its loyal global customer base. Fendi is part of the LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton group, the world leader for products and services of the highest quality based on craftsmanship and heritage. LVMH has over 60 prestigious brands and recorded revenue growth of 19% in 2010. The creative industries employ about 800,000 people (directly and indirectly) in Europe with an annual turnover of approximately €170 billion. According to a TNS Sofres survey, 69% of Europeans believe the luxury sector plays a vital role for the creation of employment and the competitiveness of Europe in relation to the rest of the world.
Silvia Venturini Fendi called upon the Commission to protect the value and unique nature of premium products with a strong Intellectual Property framework and emphasised the importance of innovation and creativity as a driver of growth that will help guide Europe out of the crisis.
Silvia Venturini Fendi said: “I am honoured to be here today representing the creative professions whose products embody the contrasting forces of tradition and creativity, past and future that is unique to European culture. A more stimulating and rewarding policy environment in Europe will support cultural innovation and the creative sector’s ability to fully unlock its growth potential to the benefit of the European economy as a whole.”
European Innovation Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said: "We policy makers have to do all we can to support cultural innovators, like Fendi of the LVMH group, who make such a significant contribution to sustainable growth in Europe."
About LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Vodka Belvedere, 10 Cane, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Green Point, Cape Mentelle, Newton, Wen Jun. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, the world's leading luxury brand, as well as Céline, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs and Berluti. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, la Samaritaine, Royal Van Lent. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Jewellery, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.
About Fendi
The house of FENDI was established in Rome in 1925 with the opening of the first FENDI boutique – a handbag shop and fur workshop. Soon winning international acclaim, FENDI emerged as a brand renowned for its elegance, craftmanship, innovation and style. In 1965, the collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, as creative director of the women’s and fur collections, begins and continues today. In 1992 Silvia Venturini Fendi is appointed FENDI’s accessories creative director. In 2000 the LVMH Group acquires FENDI becoming in 2004 its majority shareholder. In the same year Michael Burke is appointed FENDI CEO and managing director. Today FENDI is synonymous with tradition, experimentation and creativity.
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