The French international fashion school IFA Paris is proud of its’ students and alumni success and never misses an opportunity to value their work. Let’s meet two of our students in the MBA Fashion Management – Luxury Major, who started in the fashion industry as models.
Can you introduce yourselves?
We are Maria and Alexandra. We are twins, born and raised in Greece.
What is your education background and why did you choose IFA Paris?
We are currently pursuing an MBA in Fashion Management – Luxury Major at IFA Paris. After completing our BA in Business and Finance, we knew immediately that we wanted to combine our passion and love for fashion with our business background. We always strive to get the best, so after extensive research on fashion schools and universities, everything pushed us to enroll in IFA Paris. It was the best school for us. We are very happy that we opted for an MBA at the International Fashion Academy. The school has been very supportive, understanding and helpful to us and to all the other students. We are confident that IFA Paris’ MBA program will help us launch our careers at the next level, which is what we are aiming for.
Maria & Alexandra – Harper’s Bazaar Cover
How did you start your modeling career?
We never had as a goal to become models. As we are competitive swimmers, we never imagined ourselves in this industry. We did not have much self-confidence as young individuals and we didn’t know what the modelling industry is about. For us, it just happened effortlessly at the age of 19 years old, when we got scouted by our manager (a model agent) through social media. She slowly convinced us to get into this industry and she believed so much in our potential that it made us also believe in ourselves! Job after job, we fell in love with this industry and our passion grew in us!
We have seen you in some campaigns and fashion shows of big brands, can you tell us more ?
Our very first job as models was a special report for Vogue Italia! We couldn’t believe that we had the chance to launch our modeling career in this way! Unfortunately, right after we started modeling, the Covid crisis caused a downturn in the industry. However, we built up our portfolio with some great magazine editorials, such as a cover for Vogue Portugal, a cover for Harper’s bazaar Germany and editorials for SLEEK and Shön Magazine. The highlight of our career was of course our first world exclusive for the GUCCI SS23 show at Milan Fashion Week last September! It was the ultimate experience to work with such talented people and to be part of Alessandro Michele’s grand vision. It was truly the best experience of our lives. We are currently working on the GUCCI SS23 global advertising campaign. The experiences we had while shooting this incredible project will forever remain in our hearts as something unique and special!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
Maria & Alexandra – Gucci Fashion Show
We don’t consider that we have done anything difficult so far. We feel very fortunate to have collaborated with extraordinary people who have always supported us and respected us. After all, we are all here with a common goal, to produce the best possible results, and if we can do that while having fun, that’s great! At the same time, we know our limits and we would never agree to do anything that we weren’t comfortable with! Finally, our agent is always looking out for our best interests, so we don’t have to worry about things like this. This business can have its pitfalls and it’s best to make sure you are surrounded by people who only want the best for you and who encourage you! A supportive environment is a must!
Do you have any advice for those who would like to start a modeling career?
Our best advice to anyone wanting to get into this industry is to be resilient, make sure you really love it and be prepared to be turned down! There are many beautiful faces in the world and many candidates vying for the same position, but there is only one you! Make your personality your weapon and always be friendly and respectful to everyone!
Visit our website for more information on the MBA Fashion Management – Luxury Major or contact one of our admissions consultants.
And to stay up to date, follow Maria and Alexandra on Instagram.