The Executive MSc in Strategic Management of Fashion and Luxury is an innovative hybrid executive program designed for professionals to pursue career growth while obtaining an industry-recognized master’s diploma (RNCP Level 7 in France) in fashion and luxury. The program delves into the key challenges facing the fashion and luxury industry today, as well as the innovative solutions emerging to tackle them. Topics addressed include: the ever-changing role of creatives, what’s behind the ultra-premiumisation of brands, the impact of new legislation, supply chain precarity and regional initiatives, shifts in consumerism, the future of fashion press and opportunities presented by new technologies.
With 9 modules (4 on-campus and 5 online), the program is delivered over two consecutive semesters (semester 1: Sept-Jan, semester 2: Feb-June). Participants have the option to defer the second semester to the following year, if necessary. Taught in English, the program delivers a total of 375 hours of faculty-led learning and requires participants to complete a professional thesis.
Graduates are eligible to become members of the IFM Alumni Association.
Key features
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the contemporary challenges and emerging trends shaping the fashion and luxury sector;
- Hone the critical and analytical skills needed to tackle these issues from an executive standpoint;
- Leverage unparalleled industry exposure to cultivate cutting-edge management strategies and refine your leadership skills;
- Benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid program that allows participants to honor professional commitments whilst pursuing advanced education;
- Engage in rich interpersonal exchanges with fellow participants, academic staff and top-tier professionals, expanding your network;
- Obtain an executive master’s diploma in strategic management to unlock new career opportunities in the fashion and luxury industry.
Pedagogy
The pedagogy mixes four non-consecutive weeks of classes on the IFM Paris campus (170 hours), complemented by 205 hours of asynchronous online classes that are supervised by faculty via synchronous bi-monthly collective feedback sessions. You can watch the online content at your own pace. At the end of each module, you are given an assignment to work on independently or in groups, and to submit to the faculty at the end of the module.
You will also gain valuable insights into the metaverse through participation in an Immersive Fashion Day, exploring how this virtual realm has evolved into a vibrant playground for fashion and luxury brands, as well as the various challenges it presents.
The workload includes between 10 and 15 hours of autonomous work between each module.
At the end of semester one, you will take part in an immersive business case where, for two days on the IFM Paris campus, you will tackle a real-life complex management situation. This challenge will allow you to put into practice all the knowledge you will have acquired thus far. These two days of immersion will cumulate in a performance report from the module leader.
Towards the end of semester two, you will complete a professional thesis that produces valuable knowledge for the fashion and luxury industry. You will investigate a specific subject that resonates with your professional profile and personal interests. Possible areas of research include (but are not limited to): the future of fashion retail, pockets of growth, sustainable issues, consumer science and new technology.
Curriculum
The program covers all aspects of fashion and luxury business, from the history of fashion designers to the study of the latest consumer trends and the implementation of successful branding strategies online and offline. You will be challenged by the latest thinking and best practices, with the aim of being equipped to anticipate and adapt to new developments and transformations of the fashion and luxury industry.
Online modules are broken down into 10hrs of online teaching + 20hrs of autonomous work.
SEMESTER 1
Module 1: Creation & Design (Online self-paced module, 30 hours)
This module offers an in-depth look at the creation and design aspects of the fashion and luxury industries, and helps you understand the key creative and strategic considerations involved in the development of new collections. You will learn about Fashion Designers and Luxury Brands, Brand Identities, Brand Storytelling, Fashion Shows, Fashion Trends, Savoir-Faire and Creative processes.
Module 2: Brand Strategies (On campus 5-day module, 50 hours)
This in-person module on the IFM campus provides you with a thorough understanding of the business strategies and marketing tactics that are critical to success in the fashion and luxury industries, and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and implement effective fashion and luxury brand strategies. Learn about Business Strategies, Innovation, Branding and Storytelling Strategies and Sensorial and Customer Experience.
Module 3: Sustainability (Online self-paced module, 30 hours)
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to sustainability in the fashion and luxury industries, and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and implement sustainable strategies and practices within your own organizations. You will analyse the Environmental and Social Impacts of the Fashion Industry, Sustainability Frameworks and Standards, Sustainable Design and Production, Sustainable Business Models and Consumer Trends and Behaviours.
Module 4: New Consumers (Online self-paced module, 30 hours)
This module provides you with a deep understanding of the evolving needs and desires of fashion and luxury consumers, and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and implement effective marketing and branding strategies that resonate with today's consumers. You will study Fashion and Luxury Consumer Behaviour, the specifics of Gen Z, Political fashion and Identity-Based Consumption.
An immersive day in the metaverse will allow you to get to grips with the marketplace; to better understand how it functions, what makes it attractive to fashion and luxury consumers, and what might be its shortcomings.
Module 5: New Retail (On campus 5-day module, 50 hours)
This intensive week on the IFM campus will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the new trends and transformations shaping fashion and luxury retail. You will learn about Augmented Retail Experiences, Combining Creativity and Profitability, Omnichannel Retail, as well as Interpersonal Skills: Leadership, Management and Negotiation.
An immersive business game will conclude this week, with a performance report delivered by the module leader.
SEMESTER 2
Module 6: Fashion Media (Online self-paced module, 30 hours)
This module provides you will a broad overview of the role of media and advertising in fashion today, exploring evolving strategies and digital platforms for effective communication. You will explore Relevance of Print in the Digital Age, Brand Authenticity, Influencer Credibility, the Integration of AI and the Future of Social Media.
Module 7: Collection Management (On campus 5-day module, 50 hours)
Each day of this week on campus will be dedicated to a type of collection: Ready-to-wear, Beauty Cosmetics and Perfume, Jewellery and Watches, Leather Goods and Hospitality. Taught by experts in the field, the various classes and workshops will go into detail, examining the specific skills and in-depth knowledge required to manage each type of collection.
Module 8: Fashion Prospective (Online & On-Campus module, 85 hours, including 50 hours of autonomous work on thesis)
This module will focus on preparing your professional thesis, embarking you on a journey to understand how you can produce valuable knowledge for the fashion and luxury industry while tailoring your focus to your specific interests. Through the professional thesis, you will have the freedom to choose your topic, allowing for a personalized experience. The professional thesis goes beyond traditional academic research, incorporating practical inquiries into real-world challenges. By integrating literature research with practical questions, participants not only deepen their understanding but also emerge as true experts in their chosen topic. Whether your focus is on sustainable development issues, AI or expanding into a new market, you can tailor your research to align with your professional aspirations.
As you navigate this journey, you will critically reflect on pressing issues shaping the future of fashion. From the transformative potential of innovative technologies to the imperative shift towards sustainability, you will explore key themes that define the industry's trajectory. By addressing misunderstandings and identifying new patterns in consumer behaviour, you will uncover untapped opportunities for growth and innovation.
Module 9: New Horizons (On-campus 5-day module, 20 hours)
This final week on campus at the IFM will invite you to broaden your future horizons and actively prepare yourself for the next steps in your career path. You will collaborate with up-and-coming entrepreneurs, learning from them and broadening your fashion ecosystem. You will study Innovation in Management, Cultural Intelligence, Effective Leadership, New Working Practices and Workplace Emotional Safety. You will also have individual professional coaching sessions and your Grand Oral to defend your professional thesis.
