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Léna Situations Masterclass: Fashion, Social Media & Entrepreneurship

Social Media and Fashion: A Tool to Break Elitism

From a fashion blog to her YouTube channel, Léna Situations built an audience by sharing her daily life with authenticity and creativity. Over the years, she expanded her projects with the publication of her book Toujours Plus, the launch of her podcast Canapé Six Places, and the creation of her fashion brand, Hôtel Mahfouf.

During the masterclass, she emphasized the importance of perseverance, passion, and hard work in achieving success in creative industries. A lifelong fashion enthusiast, Léna admitted feeling intimidated at first by the exclusivity of the industry. “The mystery and myth around fashion were both fascinating and terrifying,” she explained.

However, she believes social media has helped democratize access to the sector: “Social media has contributed to breaking elitism and has given a new path to those who didn’t necessarily have the right connections or a traditional background.”

 

From Content Creation to Entrepreneurship

When asked by students about her brand, Léna shared: “When I started, it wasn’t my job—it was my hobby. Then, it became a brand.” Her journey took shape gradually, through experiences and opportunities.

However, as she entered the fashion industry, she was surprised by a fundamental aspect she hadn’t anticipated: “At first, I saw fashion as an art, but I quickly realized it’s also a real business where you need to know how to sell a product.” She warned against putting all hopes into a single project: “You shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket—always have a Plan B and explore different paths.”

Today, what she enjoys most is the creative process. “When I’m in bed editing videos, I’m in my own bubble—I lose track of time.”

 

Staying Authentic and Finding One’s Place in the Industry

With such high visibility, Léna often faces questions about authenticity and managing her private life. “You can’t have only the good sides—you have to learn how to handle it,” she acknowledged. She explained that she remains true to herself while protecting parts of her personal life, especially her loved ones who prefer to stay out of the spotlight.

When asked how introverts can build a network, she advised stepping out of one’s comfort zone: “You have to know how to switch on your social mode. There’s a difference between the person I am at public events and the one I am at home. Sometimes, you just have to play the game.”

Finally, she encouraged students to resist the pull of micro-trends and focus on bringing meaning back to fashion: “We need to stop chasing every new trend and prioritize well-made pieces with real stories.”

 

An Inspiring Journey

Through her story, Léna reminded students that there is no single path to success in fashion and entrepreneurship. Finding one’s way requires patience, curiosity, and determination. “My younger self was confident—she believed she would make it. Today, I still wonder how it all happened!” Her secret: working hard, seizing opportunities, and above all, staying true to her values.

These masterclasses give students a unique opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds, gain practical advice, and better understand the realities of the industry. They also offer invaluable inspiration, helping students envision their own professional future with greater confidence and clarity.

Would you like to meet inspiring professionals and explore their journeys? Join IFA Paris and immerse yourself in the fashion industry!