In 2013, the Kering Group, formerly known as PPR, initiated a major transformation by adopting a new name that resonates with its roots, history, and values. In 2023, Kering proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary. Let’s explore together the fascinating history and commitments that have shaped this iconic brand of creative and timeless luxury.
In 2013, the Kering Group, formerly known as PPR, reinvented itself, adopting a new name that reflects its roots, history, and values. François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, spoke of a desire to move forward while remaining true to its foundations.
In 2023, Kering celebrates its 10th anniversary with the advertising campaign “Empowering Imagination,” which reflects its vision of luxury based on the freedom of creation and expression. Launched in September 2023, “Empowering Imagination” highlights the group’s commitment to innovation and creativity.
“Kering constantly innovates, imagines, and encourages all forms of boldness, with the freedom to create and explore new ideas while forever embracing its heritage and the history that fuels this momentum,” emphasizes François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering.
A Story of Growth and Vision
The history of Kering dates back to 1962 when François Pinault, the father of François-Henri, founded Établissements Pinault, a small timber trading company based in Rennes. Over the years, the company grew and diversified, eventually becoming a leader in specialized retail distribution. This marked the birth of the Pinault-Printemps-Redoute group, which soon became PPR.
In 1999, Pinault-Printemps-Redoute took its first steps into the luxury industry by acquiring a 42% stake in the Gucci luxury group and 100% ownership of Yves Saint Laurent. In 2005, François-Henri Pinault took the reins of the group and embarked on its radical transformation into a major player in the luxury sector.
PPR then became Kering, a name conceived by Havas Lifestyle, an agency that also created the new visual identity, graphic universe, and website. This move marked the group’s transformation as it completely exited the distribution sector by selling various subsidiaries (such as the sale of Printemps in 2006, Conforama in 2011, divestitures of Redcats, Cyrillus, and Vertbaudet in 2013, and the listing of Fnac on the stock exchange in the same year, among others). The logo consists of an emblem, a stylized owl meant to represent the group’s “visionary and far-sighted character.”
The name “Kering” is a reference to the English word “caring” and the word “Ker,” which means home and place of life in Breton, recalling the origin of the Pinault family. After this transformation, the group would now focus solely on the sectors of clothing and accessories through its luxury and sport & lifestyle brands, including Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Boucheron, Puma, etc. Following the sale of Puma (progressively starting in 2018), Kering is now a “pure player” in the luxury industry.
“With this new name, which resonates with our roots, history, and values, we expressed the desire to go further while reaffirming the foundations of our identity,” explained François-Henri Pinault in 2013.
Celebration Through Art and Creativity
To mark this decade of success today, Kering has developed a series of initiatives that highlight its history and commitments. It all begins with the book “Kering, de granit et de rêves” (Kering, of granite and dreams). Created in collaboration with the publishing house Flammarion, the book traces the entrepreneurial journey of the Pinault family, from François Pinault’s humble beginnings in 1962 to his rise as a global player in the luxury industry. An incredible destiny illustrated through archives, photos, and personal testimonies.
During the European Heritage Days on September 16th and 17th, Kering also opened the doors of its Paris headquarters. Visitors had the opportunity to explore an exhibition of contemporary artworks from the Pinault Collection, as well as an immersion into the heritage of Balenciaga. A playful installation also invited guests to delve deeply into the world of the group.
Finally, in collaboration with the artist Emily Yang, Kering created an innovative NFT (Non-Fungible Token) representing Kering’s emblem, the owl, in a landscape reflecting real-time season and natural light in the Arctic. This creation symbolizes Kering’s ongoing commitment to preserving the Arctic environment. The NFT was auctioned off during the annual Caring for Women dinner in New York on September 12, 2023. The proceeds were donated to the partner NGOs of the Kering Foundation in the fight against gender-based violence.
In this way, through the fascinating history of the Pinault family and a series of special events, Kering celebrates both its 10 years as an iconic group in the creative luxury industry and 60 years of family entrepreneurship. Kering continues to be a model of success in the luxury industry while remaining rooted in its heritage and committed to a sustainable and creative future.
Read also>EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS: 10 LUXURY INDUSTRY PLAYERS TO MEET
Featured photo : ©Kering
