The 2025 edition of the Summer School on Responsible Fashion Management brought together emerging talents and professionals from across the world to explore the fashion industry through a responsible and future-focused approach. Organized jointly by the Antwerp Summer & Winter University and the Institut Français de la Mode, the program ran from June 30 to July 9, 2025, offering an immersive experience across two iconic fashion capitals: Antwerp and Paris.
Since its launch in 2012, the Summer School has been a hub for learning, dialogue, and innovation in order to make the fashion industry more sustainable. Designed for students and professionals, who have to balance creativity with strategic insight, offering in-depth exposure to the complex ecosystem of fashion. Under the academic direction of Prof. Annick Schramme, coordinator of the Just Fashion project, participants explored areas including:
- The global and local challenges of the fashion industry
- The different segments of the Fashion industry and their specific dynamics
- The fashion supply chain and sustainability strategies
- Entrepreneurship and business model innovation
- Fashion and law
- Cash flow planning and finance
- Digital marketing and PR
The 2025 edition stood out with a holistic approach, combining lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies. Participants engaged with leading experts and fashion designers to examine both the responsibilities and opportunities inherent in the global fashion industry, gaining practical tools to implement sustainable and ethical practices in their own work.
The first week of the Summer School in Antwerp provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the fashion industry, emphasizing independent designers and entrepreneurial ventures. Through lectures, discussions, and case studies, attendees explored how sustainability meets creativity and business strategy, equipping them to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving global and local market Some of the insights and knowledge generated by the Horizon Project JUST FASHION are integrated in the program.
The program then transitioned to Paris for an immersive three-day module at the Institut Français de la Mode, offering an in-depth look at French luxury fashion. Participants discovered the artisanal craftsmanship behind leading haute couture houses, sustainability practices in luxury design and production, and the logistics and distribution systems that support the industry. By exploring both Antwerp and Paris, participants experienced sustainable fashion from two exciting angles: the innovative, entrepreneurial scene in Antwerp and the luxurious, tradition-rich world of Paris.
Looking Ahead: Join the 2026 Edition
Following the success of the 2025 edition, registrations are now open for the 2026 Summer School on Responsible Fashion Management, taking place from 6 to 15 July 2026. Participants will have the chance to learn, connect, and contribute to shaping a more responsible fashion future in two of the world’s fashion capitals.
👉 Apply now for the 2026 edition and enjoy early bird rates:
https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/summer-winter-schools/responsible-fashion-management/
