Printemps group teams up with IFM to support young fashion entrepreneurs in France

The goal of the new joint initiative by French department store group Printemps and the French Fashion Institute (IFM) is to support emerging fashion designers. The two organisations have teamed up to provide new scholarship schemes to bolster fashion know-how and entrepreneurship in France.

To promote more extensive access to fashion industry jobs, Printemps and the Parisian fashion academy will award new one-off scholarships based on financial need and merit for the 2023-24 academic year.

The scholarships will cover tuition fees for a dozen students at the new professional training course in fashion offered by IFM. The course trains students in the professions of fashion designer, machinist-fitter and model-maker. The work-study programme enables students to practice their skills at textile work and tailoring, and to acquire know-how that is specific to the haute couture and luxury ready-to-wear sectors. 

“We are committed to opening our educational courses to all young fashion talents, regardless of their financial situation,” said Xavier Romatet, IFM’s CEO since 2019, in a press release.

“We are delighted that the Printemps Group is supporting our initiative, one that I am sure will help boost vocational training and promote French expertise,” he added.

“By investing in emerging talent, we are helping to shape the fashion landscape of tomorrow,” said Jean-Baptiste Dacquin, chief human resources officer at the Printemps group.

Financial support for five brands at IFM incubator

Additionally, for the 2023-24 academic year, Printemps and IFM will offer one-off grants to support entrepreneurs developing innovative products and services in the creative industries.

The five brands chosen are Mama Série Originale, an emerging brand advocating uncomplicated luxury, led by Marine Miel and Margot Aurignac; Ako, a start-up that has developed artificial intelligence software to optimise inventory management; Askiita, a brand of handmade unisex jewellery; Noué, a brand of upcycled accessories; and The Wedding Explorer, a marketplace dedicated to the world of marriage.

They will all receive full financial support for their academic year as part of the IFM incubator. Participating in the latter, which is based at IFM’s Quai d’Austerlitz campus in Paris, ordinarily costs €5,400 per year. The incubator’s programme includes collective workshops and individual mentoring sessions to help entrepreneurs work on brand image and storytelling, as well as advice on collection development, materials sourcing and retail strategies.