Why work in fashion and luxury? The luxury sector is booming. By pursuing one or more training courses to enter the profession of your dreams, you are choosing a creative sector that is recruiting. You'll offer a memorable customer experience, bring French know-how to life on the international stage, and be rewarded with a salary commensurate with your skills.  

How is the luxury goods market faring in France? 

Luxury is a world of dreams. It has never been in better shape, despite the suffering global economy in 2021. At that time, the sector was even recording an all-time sales record. The LVMH group led the way, with sales up 11% on the same period 2 years earlier. 

Sales at Kering (Yves Saint-Laurent, Gucci) also doubled. 

According to industry experts at Bain & Company (an international strategy and management consultancy), this trend is set to continue until 2030, with a growth rate of 5% to 7%!

This rise is due to demographic and societal factors. The number of customers continues to grow worldwide, and new markets are developing internationally. 

Millennials and Gen Z spend three times faster than generations X and Y (born between 1980 and 1994, 1995 and 2009). These young consumers interact with brands via the web and social networks. Two new segments are emerging: brand collaborations and the purchase of second-hand products. This target group is demanding and wants luxury to be increasingly accessible, while respecting values linked to the protection of animals and the planet. Brands are seen as a means of expressing their personal identity. 

A sector that knows no crisis

The luxury industry has changed profoundly and has undergone several transformations due to the evolution of digital markets, its internationalization and ever-growing consumer trends. This profoundly changing sector is setting an intense pace with new challenges to be met.  

Luxury is one of the most resilient sectors in the world. France and other countries in this sector bounce back quickly from crises such as the global pandemic of 2020. 

Following this dark period, consuming luxury has become a fundamental pleasure associated with well-being. It offers a local, digital and sensorial experience. The products most purchased during the confinement period were skincare, perfumes, wine and champagne. Fashion and accessories were also well positioned.

Today's affluent consumers are looking for authentic, high-quality products with real added value. Visit luxury brands are those able to tell a story and evoke emotion through their products. 

Stepping into the world of luxury is often intimidating. It's a competitive world where designers and strategists have to work hand-in-hand to keep up with fast-changing trends and an increasingly demanding public.

What training do you need to enter the luxury sector? 

Several courses leading to a career in luxury goods. You can take a CAP, BAC pro, BTS or DSAA. A specialized school, such as ISAL PARIS, is also recommended. 

This institute, located in the fashion capital of France, offers a number of professional courses after the BAC : 

  • Bachelor of Fashion Creation and Design Whether you want to become a style manager, graphic designer, collection director or artistic director, this 3-year course is a must. It teaches the fundamentals of fashion, developing skills in styling and pattern-making. The program also includes a study of the latest trends in the luxury goods and fashion industries. 
  • Bachelor in Luxury, Fashion and Merchandising Introduction to business management, marketing and communication fundamentals, fashion and luxury specialization... These are just some of the courses students take to become sales project managers, marketing project managers or marketing and sales managers. 
  • Bachelor in Fashion, Luxury and Digital Marketing : This program trains professionals and key players in the fashion industry. From design to product presentation, it gives them a real understanding of products, materials and know-how. To become a production manager, fashion merchandiser or product manager, this training is essential. 

Our training courses are ideal for gaining a foothold in the world of luxury work. Indeed, from the very first months of their training, students are supported and encouraged to take part in an internship with a company. In this way, they develop their skills and put ISAL's teaching into practice. Our future graduates can go on to study for a Master's degree and join new establishments as part of their work-study program.

Once they have completed their studies, they have a strong advantage in their job search. Theory and practice are assimilated and transcribed into their chosen field.

It's advisable to start looking for work opportunities early on, without focusing solely on the big players in the industry. Smaller companies often offer more recognition, a chance for students to get the full experience.

A wide range of professions

There are many areas of the luxury industry, and competition is fierce, so it's in young people's best interests to work in the sectors with the highest demand, such as fashion, beauty, perfumery, hotels and jewelry. Today's luxury goods industry calls on professionals trained in communications, events management, marketing, advertising and sales.

Entering the luxury sector after training at a school or specialized establishment offers many advantages. Here are just some of the advantages: 

  • reach a higher salary level,
  • work in a creative and innovative sector,
  • join forward-looking companies.

Here are the ten most sought-after professions in the luxury world :  

  • Brand Manager 
  • Product Manager
  • Collection manager
  • Events manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Fashion buyer
  • Sales Manager
  • Network Manager 
  • Press relations manager
  • Visual Merchandiser

Are you passionate about working in luxury? Make it your profession!

Get involved in project management, customer relations, the variety of assignments available to you and the promotion of French know-how abroad.