Attend this unique summer school that aims at growing managerial talents for the fashion industry, covering topics from fashion marketing and PR, to finance, supply chain management and leadership in fashion.
Location and dates
The summer school takes place in summer 2027 over 10 immersive days. Participants start in Antwerp before concluding the programme with an exclusive luxury immersion in Paris.
- 28 June - 2 July 2027: University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- 5 - 7 July 2027: Institut Français de la Mode, Paris, France
Programme overview
Fashion is one of Europe’s most influential cultural and economic sectors, yet it is undergoing profound transformation. Climate targets, circular economy legislation, digital innovation, supply chain transparency and evolving consumer values are reshaping how fashion is designed, produced, marketed and consumed.
This programme provides a comprehensive introduction to responsible fashion management, equipping participants with the strategic tools needed to navigate these changes across both independent fashion businesses and global luxury brands.
Key themes include:
- The global fashion system and creative ecosystems
- Circular and regenerative business models
- Fashion entrepreneurship and innovation
- Responsible supply chains and sustainability strategy
- Branding, marketing and consumer engagement
- Leadership, governance and the future of fashion
Two fashion capitals, two perspectives
- Antwerp: Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Circular Fashion
Begin in Antwerp, renowned for its influential independent designers and creative entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through company visits, studios, workshops and real-world case studies, you will explore how responsible fashion is translated into viable business practice.
- Paris: Luxury, Craftsmanship & Responsible Transformation
Conclude in Paris with an exclusive programme at the Institut Français de la Mode. Discover how leading luxury maisons are integrating sustainability while preserving exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and global brand value.
Why join?
Develop practical skills in responsible and circular fashion management.
- Learn from internationally recognised academics and industry leaders.
- Experience a unique blend of lectures, workshops and behind-the-scenes company visits. EndFragment
- Connect with an international cohort of professionals, entrepreneurs and students. EndFragment
- Gain actionable insights into the future of fashion in two of the world’s leading fashion capitals.
Target group
This summer school is created for fashion professionals, entrepreneurs, and 3rd year bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students seeking to lead positive change in the global fashion industry.
Designed as a collaborative learning experience, the programme values the exchange of perspectives across disciplines, cultures and professional backgrounds. Whether you come from industry or academia, you will learn with and from fellow participants through workshops, group discussions and real-world case studies.
Previous editions welcomed participants from more than 20 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Pakistan, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Who can apply?
Applicants are selected based on their motivation and the relevance of their academic or professional background. The programme is particularly suited to participants with experience or strong ambitions in fashion, sustainability, design, business or the creative industries.
Campus
In Antwerp (28 June - 2 July 2027), sessions will be held at Stadscampus (Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium) of the University of Antwerp. This campus is located in the city centre.
In Paris (5 - 7 July 2027), sessions will take place at the Institut de la Mode (34 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France).
Micro-credential and study credits (ECTS)
Successful completion of the summer school can be awarded with 3 credits according the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits will be awarded by the University of Antwerp based on attending attending all sessions and succesfully submitting an assignment after the course.
During and after the summer school, participants work together with a fashion designer/entrepreneur to design a business plan for the practitioner’s case. With this exercise participants apply their knowledge and insights acquired through the lectures, debates, study visits and literature to a 'real life' case. With this business plan students prove insight in the opportunities and pitfalls that organisations face when doing business in fashion.
To include the credits in the curriculum at the home institution, participants need an agreement with the responsible person at the home institution. University of Antwerp students eligible to include the ECTS credits as part of their study programme must register via Mobility Online and SisA.
All certificates of completion are issued as a micro-credential. Participants who attend the scheduled course contact hours, but don't complete the tasks will receive a certificate of attendance.
Learning outcomes
- Knowledge of and insights in the structure of the fashion industry and its main drivers within an evolving global context.
- Knowledge of and insights in several dimensions of fashion management with an emphasis on companies of both entrepreneurial fashion designers and high fashion and luxury brands: business modelling, entrepreneurial techniques, finance in fashion, IP and regulation for fashion, supply chain management, CSR and sustainability, marketing and promotion in fashion.
- Skills and competences in conceptualizing a business plan of a fashion company.