“Talent is the ability to express yourself in a unique and original way.”
With over 25 years of international experience, Ivana Conte is a leading figure in fashion and fashion education. As a training director, creative director, product & brand manager, brand founder, and consultant in fashion design and management for various luxury labels, she has devoted her career to blending creativity and entrepreneurship. She launched her womenswear brand in London, taking part in international exhibitions with contemporary concepts. Beyond fashion, her passion for education led her to begin teaching in 2005, helping to develop programs at several institutions in London, Rome, and Florence. In recent months, she founded the International Luxury Academy (iLa).
We spoke with her about this new initiative and the broader themes it addresses.
Ivana Conte, your career in the world of fashion and fashion education is long and diverse. Your latest initiative is the newly established International Luxury Academy (iLa). What is talent?
Talent is the ability to express yourself in a unique and original way, through creativity and passion—whether in a single discipline or across multiple areas. It’s that inner spark that drives you to excel in your field. Our mission is to recognize this talent and build a successful career path for each individual through education.”
How does a student express their talent?
By working on innovative projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills, taking a creative approach to challenges, and translating creative visions into concepts and products. We encourage our students to get to know themselves and explore their interests. Through research and creative experimentation, we guide them to step out of their comfort zone and discover their own signature style.
“Our goal is to offer opportunities across all sectors of the fashion and luxury industry, training professionals capable of supporting not only design but also product development and production management. We’re here to reignite a love for craftsmanship as a fundamental art form in creating luxury products, while integrating advanced technology to carry these arts into the future with younger generations. We prepare talented individuals for future roles in the industry, addressing the gap between required skills and market demand, in collaboration with companies to create training pathways and job opportunities.
How does a fashion education support and foster talent?
At iLa, we recognize how crucial accessibility is for empowering the next generation of professionals in fashion and luxury. We offer high-quality, reliable, and flexible training, breaking down barriers and democratizing access to industry knowledge—especially regarding Made in Italy excellence. We’re building a global community of talent through our digital platform.
“At the core of iLa’s philosophy is a long-term commitment to supporting both students and corporate clients. We provide a network that encourages creativity and entrepreneurship, paving the way for innovative ideas to flourish. Our students gain access to this luxury community, opening up doors for future opportunities.
What is iLa’s approach, and why was it created?
We are pioneers of a new era in fashion education—something that many of us felt was long overdue. Founded with the goal of transforming education in the fashion field, iLa uses experiential learning and advanced technologies alongside personalized study plans. This prepares students not only to excel in the future of the industry but also to grow personally.
“Our intention is to infuse new energy into the fashion and luxury sectors. iLa provides tailored training programs for both recent high school graduates and professionals. We go beyond traditional teaching methods by integrating holistic and humanistic principles, and by promoting the use of artificial intelligence. We aim to train our students to become agents of positive change. We also allow them to customize their educational path through programs that include virtual lessons, in-person mentorship with industry experts, and internships at top brands.
What is the role of AI in fashion?
“During iLa’s launch in Rome last May—attended by fashion professionals and select journalists—our guest of honor was Ermanno Scervino, who came to show support for our new academy. His forward-thinking vision is so necessary at this moment to preserve and enhance the excellence of Made in Italy. He spoke on the topic ‘Enhancing Heritage Through Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence,’ sharing his belief that ‘Artificial Intelligence is an important tool for expanding research and creativity, but the human mind remains essential for uniqueness and harmony with elegance.’
Dr. Angelica Bianco, ambassador for institutional relations at ENIA (Ente Nazionale per la ricerca sull’Intelligenza Artificiale), also spoke, emphasizing the need to integrate ethics and AI, creating that ‘magical’ balance that must always be present. iLa incorporates AI into its curriculum both by teaching AI skills and using AI as a tool to deliver a personalized, interactive learning experience to students.
What career opportunities will students have once they complete your courses?
Our programs at iLa open up a wide range of professional paths. Students receive a solid cultural and technical foundation, combined with a creative mindset, preparing them for diverse career options. We place great importance on soft skills, training the next generation to cultivate positive and dynamic work environments with a healthy balance between professional and personal life—an increasingly important social need.
“Among the main career options are roles in design, product development, and product management for womenswear, menswear, accessories, footwear, and knitwear. One particularly sought-after role is that of a pattern maker—someone with critical technical expertise in garment construction. There is also significant demand for product merchandisers, who must have both managerial/business acumen and creative flair.
“In addition, we emphasize training individuals to be socially and environmentally conscious, as these qualities are essential for the roles of the future. We celebrate each student’s uniqueness, helping them map out their own educational and career journey. Our postgraduate course combines online lessons, mentorship, and in-person activities at our London or Rome campuses, enriched by visits and workshops at prestigious ateliers and companies in Florence and Milan.
Can both Italian and international students enroll at iLa?
Absolutely. iLa welcomes both Italian and international students, providing a diverse and enriching learning experience. We believe cultural diversity is a significant advantage, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and learn from one another—both within the classroom and in a professional context.
