Institut Français de la Mode is a premier French institution specializing in fashion, luxury, and design. Located in Paris, IFM offers a range of programs from vocational training to doctoral degrees in design, management, and craftsmanship. Students benefit from a unique blend of in-class instruction at the state-of-the-art 9,000 m² campus at Cité de la Mode et du Design and practical experience within major fashion houses and haute couture workshops.
While IFM plays a pivotal role in the fashion world, collaborating closely with major brands in Paris, its mission extends far beyond the runways of Paris Fashion Week.
The fashion industry is often depicted as insular, with its focus on haute couture, consumption, and glamour contributing to a sense of inaccessibility and exclusivity. To address this, IFM established the Fondation Institut Français de la Mode. The foundation helps IFM break down barriers by providing scholarships to ensure that talented individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to excel; supporting research into the social, economic, and environmental impacts of fashion; and fostering connection with global institutions.
Supporting Students: Beyoncé Bestows Scholarships for IFM Students
Addressing economic disparities in fashion, IFM is dedicated to reducing barriers for emerging talent. With tuition for a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design at €14,500 per year for EU students, for example, financial support is crucial. The foundation partners with 36 companies to fund scholarships for European students.
While major names like Chanel and Louis Vuitton partner with IFM to contribute to the scholarship fund, the scholarships themselves are unbranded. “Our foundation embraces a collective spirit. We do not award individual scholarships like the Chanel or Dior Scholarship. Our students receive IFM Foundation scholarships… unaware of their specific sponsors. Companies do not select the students; we recruit students who we believe… have talent, [and support them] in their various financial needs,” says Delphine Wharmby, Marketing and Communications Director at IFM.
In addition to its corporate sponsors, the foundation’s scholarship program has caught the eye of major figures like Beyoncé. In 2023, IFM was selected as the only non-American recipient of the RENAISSANCE Scholarships from Beyoncé’s foundation, BeyGOOD. The $100,000 gift funded scholarships for 20 final year fashion design students in need of financial assistance, supporting their graduate creations that were showcased at Paris Fashion Week in February and June 2024.
Through partnerships and contributions such as these, the IFM Foundation ensures financial barriers do not impede the development of future fashion innovators. This support allows students to fully engage in their education and craft, solidifying IFM’s role in nurturing the next generation of talent.
Research: Unlocking Insight to Improve the Fashion Industry
IFM is at the forefront of addressing the critical issues in the fashion industry today, leveraging innovation, technology, and sustainable practices. Delphine emphasizes that the challenges and opportunities in fashion are increasingly tied to technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. “In the coming years, artificial intelligence and tech will revolutionize the sector. Sustainability is already a major focus,” she notes.
IFM’s collaboration with the Kering group exemplifies its commitment to sustainability. Kering is a global fashion and luxury group based in France, known for owning the brands Gucci, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Creed, and Alexander McQueen, among others. This partnership not only enriches the curriculum with sustainability-focused courses but also spearheads research projects. Every IFM student, regardless of their program, undergoes a minimum of 30 hours of sustainability training. A certificate in sustainability, developed through this partnership, involves students working in interdisciplinary teams on impactful projects.
One notable project involved students traveling to Ghana to address textile waste issues, where they collaborated with local designers and artisans to transform waste into new collections. In collaboration with the Or Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting textile waste in Africa, the project was exhibited in Printemps Haussmann during a three-day pop-up, promoting upcycling and responsible consumption. There are also ongoing projects focusing on creating multifunctional clothing for the homeless and proposing legislative changes to introduce sustainable fashion education at the primary school level.
In addition to sustainability, IFM’s research spans various critical areas such as creativity, craft or inclusivity and diversity, through other teaching and research chairs with LVMH, Chanel or worldwide fragrance leader MANE. These initiatives demonstrate IFM’s dedication to creating real-world solutions that address pressing societal issues.
IFM x International: Forging Connections, Fueling Innovation
Institut Français de la Mode attracts students from around the globe, with approximately 50% of its 1,300 students being international. This international focus sets IFM apart as a global leader in fashion and luxury education. The school maintains enduring partnerships with institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for its Executive MBA program, facilitating joint projects and professional collaborations.
A notable exchange program with New York University allows students from IFM’s Bachelor of Fashion and Creative Industry Management to experience both Paris and New York’s fashion scenes. This collaboration broadens their academic and cultural experiences, enriching their global perspective and professional networks.
IFM also partners with NYU’s Stern Business School on research initiatives like diversity in beauty. As part of the diversity research chair with MANE, students in IFM’s Master of Science in International Fashion and Luxury Management presented innovative ideas for diverse representation in beauty, with winning proposals showcased at MANE’s New York headquarters.
These global partnerships reflect IFM’s commitment to fostering international connections and driving innovation in fashion. By integrating diverse perspectives, IFM prepares its students to lead in a dynamic global market.
How to Support IFM through the IFM Foundation
Delphine Wharmby emphasizes the need for collective efforts to drive meaningful advancements in the fashion industry. “Schools must be supported by companies and individuals to truly transform the system from within. We can’t rely solely on governments or public institutions,” she asserts. “It’s the responsibility of everyone to contribute to these efforts.”
Bérangère Pagès, Executive Director of the Fondation Institut Français de la Mode, highlights the importance of donor support. “While Kering backs broad sustainability efforts, areas such as circularity, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity still need exploration.” New research initiatives will allow IFM to drive further positive change in the industry.
Supporting innovation at IFM from the United States is an important cause for many, as it not only strengthens the global fashion ecosystem but also ensures that cutting-edge research and sustainable practices are integrated into the industry. Institut Français de la Mode has deep connections in the US, represented by a large alumni network. A large and growing number of IFM alumni go on to work internationally, and the United States is a major destination.
To reach its goals of supporting all students with financial needs, establishing more innovative partnerships, and furthering research, the IFM Foundation has partnered with Friends of Fondation de France. This collaboration aims to harness the dedication and generosity of U.S.-based donors to continue driving these essential initiatives forward.
Join us in supporting the IFM Foundation and be part of a transformative journey in the fashion industry. Visit the IFM page on the Friends of Fondation de France website to learn more and find out how to make tax-deductible donations to help change the future of fashion today.
