TRAINING COURSE 2025

AN EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR THE LAUREATES

On the occasion of their visit to Paris, the five young African designers who won Africa Fashion Up 2025 benefited from a unique training program, built with the support of reference partners in the fashion, luxury and entrepreneurship industry.

Balenciaga opened the program with a day of masterclasses dedicated to the fundamentals of brand creation and the structuring of a sustainable fashion project. The fashion house also accompanies each laureate in a four-month mentoring program, in close collaboration with Africa Fashion Up. HEC Paris, renowned business school, offers each creator an individualized training focused on development strategy, brand positioning and entrepreneurship. Istituto Marangoni, a major academic partner, is offering for the first time specialized training in fashion and beauty to the big winner 2025, marking a decisive step forward in the professionalization journey. The designers also participated in an exclusive masterclass at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, led by the sales team, on the expectations of the luxury market, distribution strategies and the management of a department store.

In addition, the Orange Digital Centers support the winners on technological aspects: mastery of digital tools, online visibility and integration of digital issues into brand strategy.

Finally, the participants followed an immersive journey of meetings and visits at the heart of the Parisian and international fashion ecosystem. An ambitious scheme, matching the talent revealed by Africa Fashion Up, and at the service of a new generation of African designers called to radiate internationally.

THE COURSE

An exceptional course, designed to strengthen their expertise, expand their network and increase their visibility internationally.

Masterclass with the management team of Balenciaga, around creative strategy, brand positioning and international development.
Masterclass at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, led by the sales team, on luxury market expectations, distribution strategies and management of a retail outlet in a department store.
Participation in the official launch of the Africa Fashion Up - Africa Now sale at Galeries Lafayette.
Immersive training at the Istituto Marangoni, with a visit to the workshops and educational exchanges on contemporary issues of creation.
Round table at Istituto Marangoni, in partnership with HEC and SFI, dedicated to the challenges of creative entrepreneurship and brand structuring.
Personalized mentoring with HEC Paris experts, in the offices of the 35°Nord firm, to refine the strategic vision of each laureate.
Introductory session with the Orange Digital Centers, focusing on the development of digital skills, digital communication and the use of technologies to grow a brand in a globalized environment.
Training session at Google headquarters in Paris, including a presentation of the digital tools offered by the platform and an in-depth exchange with their teams on online visibility strategies adapted to young fashion brands.
Meeting with the management team of the Maison Guerlain and visit of the mythical 68, avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Private visit of the Galeries Lafayette, discovery of behind-the-scenes of the department store and exchanges on business opportunities for young designers.
Meetings and television interviews with France Médias Monde, Trace offering creators an international forum to share their vision and their journey.