As part of their curricular study trip to Paris, students from the Master of Arts in Fashion and Luxury Management had the exclusive opportunity to visit one of the most iconic creative spaces in the French capital: the atelier of Astier de Villatte, a prestigious brand known for its refined handcrafted ceramics, evocative olfactory creations, and a unique aesthetic vision within the contemporary luxury landscape.
Astier de Villatte: The Luxury of Handcrafted Imperfection
Founded in Paris in 1996, Astier de Villatte is an independent maison that has made artisanal excellence its signature. Inside its historic atelier, several creative worlds coexist in perfect harmony:
- a ceramic workshop, where each piece is hand-molded in terracotta and glazed in white using 19th-century techniques;
- a traditional letterpress printing studio, the last of its kind in Paris;
- an olfactory lab, where perfumes, candles, and incense inspired by real and imaginary places are crafted;
- a showroom, where every detail reflects the brand’s poetic and timeless philosophy.
This immersive experience allowed students to understand the importance of values such as authenticity, narrative coherence, and time in building a niche brand in the fashion and luxury lifestyle industry.
Engaging with the Brand
The visit was introduced and guided by Riccardo Giorgetti, APAC and Italy Sales Manager at Astier de Villatte, who provided valuable insight into the brand’s international growth strategies, with a focus on expansion into Asian markets. His contribution enriched the experience, though the true protagonist remained the creative universe of the atelier itself.
A Meaningful Learning Experience: Where Craft Meets Strategy
The visit to Astier de Villatte stood out as a highlight of the Paris study trip, designed to give students first-hand access to excellence in the luxury sector. Stepping into the atelier offered a rare opportunity to discover a successful model of artisan entrepreneurship that blends tradition and innovation, product and storytelling, creativity and business insight
