FROM FASHION SCHOOL TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY: HOW TO BREAK IN AS A DESIGNER

What does it actually take to go from fashion school to working as a designer inside the industry? What does it actually take to go from fashion school to working as a designer inside the industry? ​In this live group session, Paris-based accessories designer Lucien Isidor will share practical insight into making the transition from design student to working professional, drawing from his experience designing within Balmain. ​Lucien will break down what changes when you move from school into a professional fashion house: what studios expect from junior designers, how to build a portfolio that communicates your point of view and skills, how to navigate the hiring process, and how to position yourself for opportunities in a highly competitive industry. ​He’ll also discuss the realities of working inside a luxury fashion house, including collaborating with a Creative Director and wider studio team, responding to feedback, working within brand codes and technical constraints, and balancing your own creative identity with the needs of a collection. ​Throughout the session, you’ll be able to ask Lucien questions about your own portfolio, career goals, applications, and the challenges you’re facing as you prepare to enter the industry. ​You’ll leave with: ​A clearer understanding of what fashion houses look for in emerging designers Practical guidance on building and presenting a portfolio for professional opportunities * Insight into navigating the transition from fashion school to your first industry roles * A better understanding of how professional design studios actually operate * Advice on positioning yourself and your work in a competitive industry This session is hosted online over Zoom. ​Your Zoom joining link is on this event page once you have registered. We will also create a TalentED account for you and email you a link to it, where you can see the session and anything the mentor shares afterwards.