MBA Fashion Entrepreneurship – Tech Major

The first year of the MBA program at IFA Paris functions as a foundational core, common to all MBA specializations. It focuses on the acquisition of competencies related with strategic, operational, and global perspective.

Year 1 blends academic rigor with practical insight, fostering critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and leadership potential. Students engage in immersive modules that cover strategic marketing, business operations, financial planning, and sustainable innovation, all while participating in hands-on industry collaborations. The goal is to prepare students not only to thrive in their chosen specializations but also to contribute meaningfully to cross-functional teams and global enterprises.

Students are encouraged to think beyond conventional boundaries, exploring fashion as a cultural and economic force. Through group projects, consultancy assignments, and exposure to real-world challenges, they develop a multifaceted understanding of the global fashion ecosystem. The emphasis on intercultural communication, ethical leadership, and adaptability lays the groundwork for successful specialization and future management roles.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the first year, students will be able to:

French program : Cooperative education
Or English program : 6-months internship

1. Strategic Thinking & Market Analysis
   • Analyze global fashion and luxury markets using advanced marketing and consumer behavior theories.
   • Apply strategic planning tools to design effective brand and distribution strategies.
2. Business & Financial Acumen
   • Understand key financial principles, budgeting, and business planning in the fashion industry.
   • Interpret financial data to inform business decisions and evaluate profitability.
3. Legal & Operational Awareness
   • Explain the impact of intellectual property rights and corporate law on fashion businesses.
   • Demonstrate an understanding of operational models including supply chains, e-commerce, and sustainability practices.
4. Innovation & Customer Experience
   • Propose innovative solutions for customer experience using sensory marketing and omnichannel strategies.
   • Leverage data and digital tools to create impactful marketing and retail strategies.
5. Leadership & Communication
   • Collaborate effectively in diverse, multicultural teams and lead group projects with confidence.
   • Communicate strategic ideas clearly across various business contexts, including crisis communication.
6. Socio-Cultural & Ethical Competence
   • Assess fashion’s role in cultural diplomacy, advocacy, and sustainability.
   • Critically reflect on contemporary fashion issues including inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and ethical sourcing.
7. Professional Development
   • Design a clear professional development roadmap supported by mentorship, workshops, and real-world projects.
   • Prepare a strong personal and professional profile aligned with their future specialization and career aspirations.

Course Modules

Advanced Marketing & merchandising

The advanced marketing and merchandising module groupings is designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to excel in today’s dynamic fashion marketplace. These modules delve into sophisticated marketing strategies, consumer behavior analysis and the integration of data analytics to inform decision-making. Students will explore advanced topics such as brand management, global marketing trends, and omnichannel retail strategies.

• Strategic planning
• Distribution
• Innovative client experience
• Sensory marketing
• Branding
• AI and Marketing Innovation in Fashion

The fashion industry

The Business of Fashion modules offer an in-depth exploration of the fashion industry from a business perspective. These modules cover essential topics such as intellectual property and corporate law as well as a variety of subjects related with the development of business models. Through case studies, industry projects, and expert lectures, students will develop the strategic thinking and practical skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving fashion business landscape.

• Planning
• Finance
• Advanced strategies
• Intellectual property
• Corporate law

Fashion’s Environment

This module grouping looks at fashion with the prism of diversity and inclusivity. It prepares our students to address the future needs of a competitive fashion industry, whether it is the optimization of the supply chain through a sustainable perspective, the implementation of cutting-edge tech processes for digital retail or the consideration of contemporary fashion phenomena.

• E-commerce
• Intercultural fashion
• Sustainable sourcing
• Managing a “fashion faux pas”

Two options from:

Students will get to pick 2 electives out of 6 available. Each of them gives a taste of what the 5th year specializations will encompass. Such a structure provides an opportunity for full customization of the learning experience.

• MBA Fashion and Luxury Marketing
• Media and image production
• Fashion and eco-responsibility
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Fashion design workshop

Fashion Lab

The Fashion Lab module grouping is handled by the Direction of Corporate Relations of IFA Paris. Through a variety of practical workshops, students will get the opportunity to be involved in real-life case studies provided by partner brands. They will also have the opportunity to work on their professional profile through customized coaching sessions to ensure they can secure a 6-month internship.

The program is also aimed at students who have a genuine passion for innovation and who see tech as an essential element in the restructuring of the fashion industry.

The program fosters a culture of experimentation and innovation, encouraging students to embrace a scientific approach, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to build successful tech-driven fashion brands.

Learning Objectives

French program : Cooperative education
Or English program : 6-months internship

1. Foster Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills:
   • Students will develop the entrepreneurial mindset and skills necessary to launch and scale fashion tech startups, including opportunity recognition, business model innovation, and strategic decision-making in a dynamic and competitive market.
2. Become Skilled in the Integration of Technology and Fashion:
   • Students will learn to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, augmented reality, and digital platforms, into the development of fashion products and services, driving innovation and creating value in the fashion tech space.
3. Develop Robust Business Strategies for Fashion Tech Ventures:
   • Students will gain the expertise to craft comprehensive business strategies that address the unique challenges of fashion tech startups, including securing funding, managing operations, and navigating the complexities of product development and market entry.
4. Lead Sustainable and Scalable Growth in Fashion Tech:
   • Students will learn to lead and manage the growth of fashion tech ventures by applying principles of sustainability and scalability, ensuring that their startups not only thrive in the short term but also contribute to a responsible and future-proof fashion industry.

Course Modules

Conceptualization

The conceptualization module grouping is designed to equip students with the essential skills to innovate and lead in the intersection of fashion and technology. The topics cover comprehensive market research techniques tailored to the fashion tech industry, enabling students to identify emerging trends and consumer needs. Students will learn to develop Minimum Viable Products (MVP) and conduct effective beta testing to iterate and refine tech-driven fashion solutions.

• Market research
• Beta-testing

Startup development

This module grouping focuses on developing successful startup business The topics cover essential aspects of entrepreneurship by anchoring them in relevant legal frameworks. There is an emphasis on lean startup methodologies, funding strategies, and scaling operations.

• Business Model
• Fundraising strategies
• Lobbying strategies
• Legal Environment Applied to Startups

Marketing

In this module grouping, students will explore cutting-edge promotional tactics, including digital marketing, influencer partnerships, and immersive experiences. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of technology and data analytics to optimize marketing efforts, ensuring that graduates can effectively navigate and influence the rapidly evolving fashion tech landscape.

• AI Powered Forecasts
• Fashion Metaverse
• Marketing through Influence
• Public relations

Lab Experimentation

The Lab Experimentation module grouping is a hands-on, innovative course designed to bridge technology and fashion. This module focuses on the application of cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, wearable tech, smart textiles, and augmented reality in fashion. Students will engage in experimental projects, prototyping, and real-time testing of tech-integrated fashion solutions. Through collaborative lab sessions, they will learn to harness technological advancements to create innovative fashion products and experiences. This module aims to foster creativity, technical proficiency, and a forward-thinking approach, preparing students to lead and innovate at the intersection of fashion and technology.

During this module, students will be invited to work in our New Technologies Laboratory Foundry.

StartUp Challenge

The Startup Challenge is a dynamic and practical experience designed to immerse students in the entrepreneurial world of fashion technology. Participants develop and refine their startup concepts, learning to articulate their ideas effectively to potential investors and stakeholders. Through workshops, mentoring sessions, and mock pitches, students gain invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem, honing their presentation skills and business acumen.

• The Art of the Pitch
• Startup Project

Fashion Lab

The Fashion Lab module grouping is handled by the Direction of Corporate Relations of IFA Paris. Through a variety of practical workshops, students will get the opportunity to be involved in real-life case studies provided by partner brands. They will also have the opportunity to work on their professional profile through customized coaching sessions to ensure they can secure a 6-month internship.

The online program takes place live and in real-time (Paris or Istanbul local time) and you will interact with the lecturer and other students through our online platform. However, if you cannot attend or miss a live class, every session is also recorded and saved, so you can go back and watch it at a later suitable time for you.

For more information visit our Study Online - Distance Learning page

Material Requirements for Online Format

• A recent computer with a recent operating system
• A good internet connection
• An up-to-date web browser
• Microphone & Headphones (a headset with microphone/headphones is recommended)
• Webcam

Prerequisites Year 1:

• Applicants must have successfully completed 3 years of higher education (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits)
• Depending on the chosen teaching language (English or French), non-native speakers should provide a language proficiency score:
• English teaching language: an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or a TOEFL score of 79 or above. Alternatively, provide an English training certificate or proof of previous education in English.
• French teaching language: a TCF score of B2 or equivalent. Alternatively, a proof of previous education in French.
• Significant professional experience in related fields preferred, but not required (internships are considered).

Prerequisites Year 2:

• Applicants must have successfully completed 4 years of higher education (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits)
• Depending on the chosen teaching language (English or French), non-native speakers should provide a language proficiency score:
• English teaching language: an IELTS score of 6.5 or above, or a TOEFL score of 79 or above. Alternatively, provide an English training certificate or proof of previous education in English.
• French teaching language: a TCF score of B2 or equivalent. Alternatively, a proof of previous education in French.
• Significant professional experience in related fields preferred, but not required (internships are considered).

Required documentation:

• Resume
• Motivation letter
• Passport photo
• Passport copy for non-EU applicants and ID copy for EU applicants
• Language proficiency certificate
• High school diploma or higher & Transcript

For more information about the application process, please visit our How to apply page.