LVMH announced the names of its four winners, selected from more than 250 nominations received, of the fourth edition of the Maestri d’Eccellenza Award 2026, created by LVMH Métiers d’Excellence and organized in collaboration with Confartigianato lmprese, Camera Nazionale della Moda ltaliana and Fondazione Bulgari. 

The award aims to preserve and promote the artisanal heritage of “Made in Italy.” The awards ceremony was held at the Bulgari Hotel in Rome and was sponsored by major government agencies, with Minister Adolfo Urso in attendance, along with an exceptional jury chaired by the artist Quayola.

The 2026 edition honored four recipients who represent the diverse facets of Italian high-end craftsmanship.

Carlo Colombo (Tessitura la Colombina) was awarded the title of Master Artisan of Excellence for his mastery of the textile arts, carrying on a family business now in its fourth generation that has evolved over time from a silk mill to knitwear and handlooms.

Carlo, together with his brother Mario, is co-owner of Tessitura Colombina, a company passed clown through four generations that combines innovation with tradition. Founded in 1895 as a silk mill, it evolved over time, expanding in 1948 into hand-weaving, accessories, and eventually knitwear. The essence of the company lies in preserving a unique savoir-faire.

Lorenzo Seghezzi was honored as an Emerging Master Craftsman of Excellence for his work in contemporary tailoring, in which he reinterprets the corset in a modern key as a symbol of expression and self-determination through meticulous handcrafted work.

Mirei Monticelli won in the Master of Innovation of Excellence category for her sculptures and light installations made of banaca (natural abaca fiber), created through a project that bridges the Philippines—where her mother collaborates with local weavers—and Italy, where she designs and sculpts the works.

Daniel Mauceri, owner of Arte Pupara since 1978, received a special mention for his work in preserving and innovating the Opera dei Pupi of Syracuse, where he creates and restores “pupi” (traditional Sicilian marionettes), sacred statues, and jewelry by combining ancient techniques with a contemporary aesthetic.

Each winner will receive a cash prize of €10,000 to reinvest in their business, along with media exposure, a mentoring program lasting up to one year with professionals from Maison Bulgari, visits to the brand’s facilities, and the opportunity to launch future collaborations.

Among the new features of this year’s edition, the stories of the nine finalist artisans and their creative processes are told in a series of audio episodes available as podcasts on Spotify.