In an era of mass production, disposable fashion, and technology designed to become obsolete, there is a growing desire to return to the enduring values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and authenticity. Consumers are increasingly seeking objects that not only serve a purpose but are infused with meaning—products made by hand, with care, and stories behind them. Via Arno, a new platform backed by Richemont (Cartier’s parent company), is revolutionizing how we think about luxury by connecting people with exceptional artisans who create functional, beautiful items that stand the test of time.
The Resurgence of Timeless Craftsmanship
As we navigate a world of fast fashion and ever-evolving technology, there’s an increasing appreciation for items that are designed to last. From the humble wooden spoon to a finely crafted Icelandic duvet or handblown wine goblets, Via Arno aims to make artisanal, handmade objects a central part of everyday life. The platform connects consumers, businesses, and professionals with over 300 skilled artisans around the world, offering everything from bespoke furniture to bicycles.
Annia Spiliopoulos, co-founder of Via Arno and a former jewellery executive, sees a shift in consumer priorities. “Across many different consumer segments, you see this growing interest in provenance, in process, in storytelling,” she explains. “Today’s sophisticated luxury consumers are less interested in the brand and more interested in the process and the making…and keen to put their personal touch on things.”
From Fast Fashion to Slow Living
In contrast to the rapid turnover of fast fashion, where trends come and go with little regard for longevity, Via Arno offers a refreshing alternative. The platform encourages a “slow living” approach—one that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and investment in objects that are built to last. For many, this philosophy goes hand in hand with a desire to reduce waste and live more consciously, choosing quality over quantity.
Spiliopoulos highlights a growing interest in sustainability, particularly among younger generations. “There’s definitely a cohort in the Gen Z that are interested in sustainability, they’re interested in investing in fewer things, but better things,” she says. “Artisans usually use local raw materials, and they use mainly their hands, so de facto, it’s more sustainable.”
Via Arno taps into this desire for authenticity, offering access to handmade goods that are not only durable but also sustainable. Artisans typically use local raw materials, and their work is rooted in traditional techniques, making it inherently more eco-friendly than mass-produced alternatives.
Connecting Consumers with Artisans
Via Arno isn’t just about buying beautiful things—it’s about creating meaningful connections between customers and the artisans behind each piece. The platform is designed to facilitate these relationships, offering a two-way connection where customers can commission custom-made items or simply browse a curated selection of products created by highly skilled makers.
The platform’s offerings range from functional everyday objects, such as wooden kitchenware and hand-forged cutlery, to luxury items like bespoke furniture and exclusive home décor. Via Arno serves both individual consumers, who can order personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces, and businesses such as interior designers, architects, and stylists, who can source unique items for their projects.
In addition to its B2B and B2C services, Via Arno will soon launch an e-commerce platform for direct-to-consumer sales. With prices spanning from modestly priced items to high-end luxury products, the site will cater to a broad spectrum of consumers looking to incorporate handcrafted luxury into their daily lives.
A New Approach to Luxury: Personalized and Bespoke
While luxury traditionally has been defined by exclusivity and brand recognition, Via Arno is shifting this narrative to focus on personalization and the uniqueness of handcrafted goods. Spiliopoulos emphasizes that today’s high-end consumer is looking for more than just a designer label—they want bespoke products that reflect their personal tastes and values.
“Artisanal luxury is about the process as much as it is about the final product,” she says. “Consumers are keen to put their personal touch on the objects they buy, whether it’s commissioning a custom piece or selecting from a carefully curated collection of items that are made with intention and care.”
Building a Community Around Craftsmanship
Via Arno is not just about making sales—it’s about building a community that values craftsmanship, sustainability, and the stories that make each item unique. As Spiliopoulos puts it, “If you spend a bit more, you keep it longer, you have something that’s been made by another human, so there’s a different type of energy to it. It’s more than a transaction, it becomes much more of a connection. There is a way of life that comes with being an artisan: the human pace.”
With the rise of online platforms and social media, many smaller artisans have struggled to gain visibility in a crowded market. Via Arno aims to address this issue by offering a dedicated platform where customers can discover, engage with, and support artisans who are creating exceptional, functional objects. By supporting Via Arno, consumers are not only acquiring luxury goods—they are also contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, helping to sustain a way of life that is increasingly rare in the modern world.
Looking to the Future: A Global Movement
As Via Arno expands its reach, the platform’s ambition is clear: to raise awareness about the value of handcrafted, sustainable products and to inspire more people—especially younger generations—to pursue careers in the artisan trades. “We definitely want to raise awareness of artisanal being relevant culturally, commercially and in a lifestyle sense to consumers, as well as to younger generations of people who are looking for a profession. It would be great if more young people decided that that’s what they wanted to do, become an artisan.”
With a growing network of artisans, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on the human connection that comes with buying handmade objects, Via Arno is helping redefine luxury for the modern world—one crafted object at a time.
Written by: Lydia Kelly
Published 26th of November 2024