ESSEC’s motto is “the Pioneering Spirit,” and since 1995, it has sought to instill that attitude into the next generation of luxury professionals. Originally launched in partnership with LVMH and L’Oréal Luxe — the world’s largest luxury conglomerate and the beauty giant’s prestige consortium of brands — the school was tasked with nurturing the next generation of luxury professionals to create a talent pool of specialists equipped with the insight and experience to develop luxury businesses in emerging markets.
Today, the school collaborates with “all the major luxury groups” worldwide, both in placing graduates in leading luxury maisons and retailers, as well as creating unique educational experiences to train its current students. The school’s curriculum is distinct in its scope, including fashion & accessories, jewelry & watches, fragrances & cosmetics, wines & spirits, luxury retail, and luxury hospitality — all condensed into an immersive and intense year for the student body, of which approximately 50 percent are retraining from careers in other industries.
To shape the next generation of luxury professionals, the school offers students a mentorship program, a 2-month field project/consulting mission with a luxury brand over the summer, conferences with leading executives throughout the year, a one-week boutique internship, and four global field trips to New York, Shanghai, Milan, Florence, and Switzerland, as well as individual career counseling from an industry professional.