Institut Français de la Mode (IFM)

The Institut Français de la Mode is one of the leading European schools dedicated to fashion, luxury, and design. Founded in Paris in the 1980s as an institute for higher education and applied research for the fashion industries, it merged in 2019 with the École de la chambre syndicale de la couture parisienne (founded in 1927), thereby bringing together the teaching of couture craft with training in management and creation.

The school is located in the Gare district, on the banks of the Seine, in the buildings of the Cité de la mode et du design.

Disciplines

The offering covers a wide spectrum: fashion design, accessories, knitwear, textiles, fashion image and communication, as well as management, marketing, and brand management for fashion and luxury. Programs range from vocational training in craftsmanship (couture, flou, tailoring, embroidery, leather goods, pattern-making) up to the bachelor's degree, master's-level programs, and the MBA. The IFM is a member of the Conférence des grandes écoles.

Strengths

Close ties with industry: partnerships and sponsorship from major French groups and houses, projects supervised by professionals, internships, and strong employability in design studios and brand management. The school also carries out continuing education activities and economic research on the sector.

The École de la chambre syndicale, now integrated into the IFM, notably counted among its students Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino Garavani.