Journées Particulières: the craftsmen’s traditional and technical dexterity honored

On October 15th and 16th, 2011, LVMH will open the doors of its most prestigious companies for one day dedicated to “human heritage” or “intangible cultural heritage”. A tribute will be paid to the craftsmen, to their dexterity, know-how and all that makes the excellence of their luxury goods production. Be careful, only the happy few will be able to join in!

The signing in to Les Journées Particulières opens today. On the dedicated Internet site, you will find the program of the two days when LVMH will let you in backstage to its know-how.
Their know-how is transmitted from generation to generation. It is about the craftsmen’s traditional and precise manual art, which has built the excellence legacy of these companies. While displaying their craftsmanship these companies go beyond glam & glitter clichés and introduce the public to their basics. Their craftsmen are the production’s actors and active memory.

These days will also be an opportunity for the public to discover places that also are the legacy of each company, inseparable from their history, evolution and creation. May land, tradition or simply recalling or imagining things be concerned; these places are loaded with history, an integral part of the products and collections creation and fabrication process.

So, in the Paris area, you will be able to discover:

Chaumet / Lounge suites of the Boudard de Saint James Hotel
In the mansion located in Place Vendôme, the Company’s historical jewels and the diadem production steps will be presented.

Givenchy Couture
Exhibition of 10 pieces of the collection and demonstration of the craftsmen’s know-how.

Berluti / Workshops
You will discover the boot maker’s highly manual skill and know-how.

Louis Vuitton / Workshops in Asnières
Among other things, a guided tour and display of historical orders.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
Viewing of a film by Arte: “Au Bonheur des Dames, l’invention du Grand Magasin.”

Le Jardin d’Acclimatation
Workshops, entertaining activities and shows for children and adults.

Christian Dior / Haute Couture suites
Visitors will be invited to a conference and to a visit of the different workshops.

La Grande Epicerie de Paris
A visit of the laboratory, a meeting with experts and workshops to make you participate actively!

La Maison Guerlain
A conference, workshops and a guided visit through an ancient objects exhibition.

In Aquitaine, you will of course be able to discover wine stores of Prestigious Châteaux like Yquem and Cheval Blanc.

In Champagne, Great Companies (champagne producers, of course: Dom Perignon, Krug, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin and Moët & Chandon) will offer visits of suites or historical places, cellars and chalk caves and will present traditional craftsmanship and know-how.

In Cognac, Hennessy will open the doors of its cellars, Châteaux and docks.

EIn Scotland, Glenmorangie will organize a guided visit followed by a tasting.

In Italy, Louis Vuitton will open its shoe factory ; Fendi and Pucci will offer exhibitions.

So, be on the watch out for the next ones or get over it with the presentations on the Internet site http://www.lesjourneesparticulieres.fr. You could in particular learn a few French terms related to the famous know-how, such as emmaillement (joints) in the jewelry field, raisinage in cosmetics or abarchage, in connection with eaux-de-vie.

Photos: LVMH