Istituto Marangoni Paris formalizes an extensive collaboration with the Dutch fashion house Viktor&Rolf for the academic year 2026-2027. This immersive mentorship, in the form of a structured ‘Industry Project’, connects young talent with the strategic and conceptual reality of a leading global luxury brand.
At a time when the fashion industry is reflecting on new forms of presentation and the value of pure creativity, fashion schools are strengthening their collaborations with leaders from the sector. Istituto Marangoni Paris makes a statement by entrusting the mentorship of the Fashion Design class (year 2026-2027) to Dutch designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, founders of the fashion house Viktor&Rolf.
This collaboration, presented in Paris in July 2026, transcends the academic framework. It places students in the middle of a concrete practical case: developing the future vision for the brand’s women’s ready-to-wear collection for spring/summer 2028.
A complete briefing: from prototype to presentation concept
The program requires complete immersion in the conceptual and theatrical universe of the fashion house. The brand is known for its high-profile shows, from ‘Russian Doll’ (1999) to ‘Late Stage Capitalism Waltz’ (2023) and more recently ‘Diamond Kite’ (Couture Spring/Summer 26).
To convince the Dutch duo, the students must develop a strong artistic vision for the Spring/Summer 28 collection. This vision must be concretely translated into the realization of three important silhouettes. The assignment also includes the creation of print and digital lookbooks and the design of an innovative presentation format for Paris Fashion Week, aiming to renew the traditional fashion show.
The kick-off will take place in November on the Paris campus during an exclusive masterclass by Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren. During the process, the work is guided through two online feedback sessions with the Viktor&Rolf design studio. The project concludes with a final presentation in Paris for the management and representatives of the fashion house.
Professional results and career opportunities
In addition to the training, this project provides a measurable professional springboard for the students. The fashion house has committed to several strategic opportunities for integration into the labor market:
An internship in Amsterdam
The winner of the project will receive an internship within the design studio for Prêt-à-Porter & Bridal Fashion (RTW Bridal Design) at the Viktor&Rolf headquarters in Amsterdam.
Practical experience from October
Two to three selected students will work behind the scenes of the Prêt-à-Porter Spring/Summer 2027 showroom in Paris as ‘dressers’.
Exclusive cultural access
All participants will receive exclusive access to the next major couture exhibition dedicated to Viktor&Rolf at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
“This collaboration reflects Istituto Marangoni Paris’ commitment to forging strong ties with key players in the industry. In addition to the academic dimension, the project creates a meaningful dialogue between education and creative practice. It offers students the opportunity to directly connect with the vision of Viktor&Rolf, while exploring the future of ready-to-wear,” said Valérie Berdah-Levy, General Manager of Istituto Marangoni France.
The business challenge: the transfer of a hybrid and profitable model
The fashion house Viktor&Rolf, founded in 1993, embodies a unique economic model in the luxury landscape. A pioneer in experimental and conceptual fashion, it has managed to translate its intellectual prestige into global commercial success. This is mainly due to the collaboration with L’Oréal for the perfume line Flowerbomb (launched in 2005), the bridal lines and the international presence in museums (Kunsthal Rotterdam, Kunsthalle Munich in 2024, High Museum of Art in Atlanta in 2025-2026).
By entrusting its students to this atypical duo, Istituto Marangoni Paris makes a very pragmatic choice. It’s no longer just about training stylists. The aim is to train and equip designers who can combine uncompromising artistic daring with mastery of the industrialization and image demands of the market.
