TRAINING AND SUPPORT 2025
AN EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR THE WINNERS
During their visit to Paris, the five young African designers who won the Africa Fashion Up 2025 competition took part in a unique training program developed with the support of leading partners in the fashion, luxury, and entrepreneurship industries.
Balenciagakicked off the program with a day of masterclasses focused on the fundamentals of brand-building and the development of a sustainable fashion project. The fashion house also supports each winner through a four-month mentorship program, in close collaboration with Africa Fashion Up. HEC Paris, a renowned business school, offers each designer personalized training focused on development strategy, brand positioning, and entrepreneurship. Istituto Marangoni, a major academic partner, is offering specialized training in fashion and beauty to the 2025 grand prize winner for the first time, marking a decisive step forward in their professional development. The designers also participated in an exclusive masterclass at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, led by the sales team, covering the expectations of the luxury market, distribution strategies, and the management of a department store retail location.
In addition, Orange Digital Centers support the winners in the technological areas: mastering digital tools, online visibility, and integrating digital challenges into their brand strategy.
Finally, the participants took part in an immersive program of meetings and visits at the heart of the Parisian and international fashion ecosystem. This ambitious initiative lives up to the talent showcased by Africa Fashion Up and supports a new generation of African designers poised to make their mark on the international stage.
THE ROUTE
An exceptional program designed to strengthen their expertise, expand their network, and increase their visibility on an international scale.
Masterclass with Balenciaga’s executive team, focusing on creative strategy, brand positioning, and international expansion.
Masterclass at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, led by the sales team, on luxury market expectations, distribution strategies, and managing a retail location within a department store.
Participation in the official launch of the "Africa Fashion Up – Africa Now" sale at Galeries Lafayette.
An immersive training program at the Istituto Marangoni, featuring a tour of the workshops and educational discussions on contemporary issues in design.
Roundtable discussion at the Istituto Marangoni, in partnership with HEC and SFI, focusing on the challenges of creative entrepreneurship and brand development.
Personalized mentoring with experts from HEC Paris, at the offices of 35°Nord, to help each winner refine their strategic vision.
Introductory session with Orange Digital Centers, focusing on digital skills development, digital communication, and the use of technology to grow a brand in a globalized environment.
Training session at Google's Paris headquarters, including a presentation on the digital tools offered by the platform and an in-depth discussion with their teams about online visibility strategies tailored to emerging fashion brands.
A meeting with the management team at Maison Guerlain and a tour of the legendary 68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Private tour of Galeries Lafayette, a behind-the-scenes look at the department store, and discussions about business opportunities for young designers.
Television appearances and interviews with France Médias Monde and Trace, providing creators with an international platform to share their vision and their journey.
