Anneke Sidenburg

Never was I given so much detailed insight into the fashion management industry than here at HEC Paris

HEC Paris and the Fashion Management program: a new universe I had the chance of entering this summer. The decision to come here for the Fashion Management program was an easy one, as it offers students an extraordinary combination of insights into the (Parisian) fashion world, as well as essential business knowledge without needing prior experience in the discipline of fashion as such. So, what better location to dive into the study of the fashion management world than at the prestigious institution of HEC, known for its quality of teaching and Paris as the number one fashion metropolis?

The wealth of knowledge the various guest speakers transmitted throughout the seminars was simply admirable. Never was I given so much detailed insight into the fashion management industry than here at HEC Paris. Never were professors and guest speakers alike more approachable and experts in their fields. Guest speakers ranged from L’Oréal to Lacoste and from Lacoste to Chloé, representing a wide array of expertise. HEC Alumni creating brands and boutiques of their own were also on our schedule, delivering inspiration to such an extent that I could not help but leave the room with bright and shiny eyes. I was taught invaluable first-hand knowledge, such as how to build and develop your own brand/fashion collection while taking into account all sorts of drivers to actually succeed in this competitive and fast-paced business of fashion, how to analyze one’s fashion brand image by applying fashion management models, as well as hints as to how to succeed as a fashion blogger.

All in all, the 2-week intensive Fashion Management Summer School Program left me with an immense amount of first-hand and practical knowledge, which I believe I would not have gained elsewhere. I further adored the case study competitions we had to tackle in groups. Coming up with creative ideas for a fashion collaboration was such a challenging experience where the theory we learned was directly put into practice. A final presentation judged by experts from the fashion industry was the highlight at the end of the program. I am certain that the strong bonds I forged here throughout the course are definitely a reason – amongst others - that made my experience on campus so rich. I learned how to work in groups of up to 6 different nationalities, how to communicate with various cultures and mentalities and how Korea, Mexico and Italy have very distinctive perceptions of a brand and their identity. We dedicated a lot of time to our studies and group work, however HEC Paris also offered diverse activities in between lessons, which one should not miss whilst living on the stunning campus of HEC Paris.

Encountering so many intelligent and outstanding individuals (students and professors, as well as guest speakers and staff) was such an enriching experience and I would definitely recommend to each and every single person interested in Fashion with or without prior experience to join this Summer School Program.