Empowering Independent Designers/Brands to Shape their Future
AZ Academy Executive Programme offers a dynamic business journey for the next generation of fashion designers and brands, equipping them to realise their vision and thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
Start Executive Programme
January 12, 2027
Duration
12 months
Language
English
Location
Milan
AZ Academy: the first executive programme for independent designers in luxury and fashion. Powered by Richemont, Creative Academy, and Accademia Costume & Moda, the experience transforms creative vision into business success, empowering independent designers to build impactful, future-ready brands.
Why AZ Academy?
AZ Academy bridges the gap between creativity and business. Created in honour of Alber Elbaz’s visionary legacy, the programme empowers emerging designers to navigate the complexities of brand building, strategic growth, and business leadership within the fashion and luxury industries.
Unlike traditional fashion business programmes AZ Academy offers a fully immersive, real-world experience that brings together exceptional creative talent and leading industry experts. With mandatory attendance and intensive engagement, the executive programme is uniquely structured to deliver:
Personalised mentorship designed to strengthen every brand’s business model.
Exclusive access to a network of leading experts and suppliers from Richemont, Creative Academy, and Accademia Costume & Moda.
Hands-on brand development, moving beyond theory to direct, practical execution.
A clear, structured business roadmap guiding the brand from initial concept through to successful market expansion.
AZ ACADEMY GOES BEYOND EDUCATION - IT IS A STRATEGIC ACCELERATOR EMPOWERING FASHION’S NEW GENERATION TO BUILD THE FUTURE.
Who is it for?
AZ Academy is for independent designers ready to take their creative vision global, with the right guidance and network to make it happen. We’re looking for emerging designers and entrepreneurs with a strong, authentic identity who know talent alone isn’t enough. Strategic, financial, and operational skills are essential to turn creativity into lasting success. If you’re a fashion visionary ready to build a structured, scalable brand and connect with industry leaders to shape your future in fashion, AZ Academy is for you.
Scholarship provided by Richemont, covering full tuition fees.
Please note recipients are responsible for the registration fee, their travel and living expenses while in Milan.
What does this mean for you?
AZ Academy is your opportunity to transform from an independent designer into a global brand leader. It’s about learning how the fashion industry really works. You’ll gain the strategic, financial, and operational skills needed to grow your brand sustainably. You’ll deepen your understanding of the entire industry structure – from development and production to supply chain, price points, and market positioning.
If you’re ready to build a structured, scalable brand, connect with top industry experts, and learn what it truly takes to succeed in the business of fashion, AZ Academy is for you.
01
Unique industry exposure: expert talks, archive and factory tours, real case studies, and insider insights.
02
Access to top retail, supply chain / showrooms, and manufacturing networks in fashion and luxury sector.
03
Empowering independent designers with a global perspective on fashion business.
AZ Academy partners with Richemont and beyond:
- Creative Academy - Richemont’s own talent incubator.
- Leading fashion and luxury mentors
- Strategic experts in finance, law, and production
