Daphné Bürki at IFA Paris: Creativity, Authenticity and Boldness in a Masterclass
Posted on 28/04/2026
How can you stay true to yourself in demanding creative industries? This essential question was at the heart of Daphné Bürki’s masterclass at IFA Paris. Known in France for her work in television and as co-director of the Paris 2024 Olympic ceremonies, she brought a rare blend of media and live performance experience to this exchange with students. Through anecdotes, practical advice, and strong perspectives, this encounter became a truly valuable and inspiring moment of exchange for the students.
Create, connect, move forward: the foundations of a creative journey
From the very first minutes, Daphné Bürki shares her vision. In a creative journey where doubt is ever-present, it should not be seen as a barrier, but as a signal.
“From the moment you think ‘I’m not sure’ or ‘this is going to be complicated’, it means it’s the right idea. You already have all the answers within you, trust yourself.”, she tells the students.
An approach that invites a shift in perspective: uncertainty, instead of holding you back, becomes an indicator of potential. A mindset that encourages students to develop their own vision, not to imitate, but to assert their uniqueness.
But this self-confidence does not develop in isolation. For Daphné Bürki, creativity is deeply connected to the environment in which it evolves. In the creative industries, projects are often built collectively: creativity is a collective process, and for her, the human environment is key. It allows you to dare, to fail sometimes, but above all, to move forward.
“My advice for staying creative is to surround yourself with the right people and feel safe. Listen to yourself and respect everyone. With Thomas Joly, it’s something we agreed on: the people who work with us will only be kind people.”, she shares while reflecting on her collaborations.
Daphné Bürki thus emphasizes a core value in her way of working: kindness. A powerful message that strongly resonates with students as they begin building their future careers.
Creating with purpose: an engaged vision of fashion and performance
Beyond pure creativity, Daphné Bürki also advocates for an engaged approach to creation, where every project carries a responsibility. Reflecting on her work, particularly on ceremonies related to the Olympic Games, she explains:
“I wanted to create flawless ceremonies, in the sense that I wanted them to be conscious. For example, all the costumes created for the Olympic Games were sold, so all 3,000 costumes now have a life today.”
An example that illustrates a desire to rethink practices, reduce waste, and embed creation within a more sustainable approach. Through this, she reminds us that today’s creators have a role to play in shaping the future of the industry.
This engaged vision is something Daphné Bürki actively shares with students. The masterclass became a space for real exchange, where advice, experience, and questions came together in an open discussion.
Alexia, a 5th-year student, shares: “Daphné Bürki is a very kind person, full of advice and energy. You could really feel it when she answered our questions and reassured us on many points.”
Agathe, a 4th-year student, felt the same: “Meeting someone so authentic and passionate is a real opportunity and a source of inspiration. This masterclass truly motivated me!”
These testimonials perfectly reflect the goal of these sessions: to provide guidance, reassure, and inspire a new generation of creators.
Extend the IFA Paris masterclass experience
Masterclasses are an integral part of the IFA Paris experience: exclusive encounters with inspiring professionals, giving students the opportunity to challenge their ideas, ask questions, and better understand the realities of the industry.
In this spirit, other personalities have also shared their journeys and perspectives, such as Lena Situations and Gauthier Borsarello. These exchanges enrich students’ journeys and fuel their creative thinking.
Our programs and teaching methodology are built around interactions with fashion and creative industry professionals.


