Founded in 2016 in Florence, Italy, Fashion for Futures was born from one person's journey: our founder, Ilyssa Wexler, who began her career on Wall Street, then traded skyscrapers for Renaissance streets to build something entirely different.

By 2019, Fashion for Futures brought its first student group backstage at New York Fashion Week — standing just feet away as models lined up under bright lights, stylists rushed through final touches, and the raw energy of live runway shows brought every lesson to life. That moment sparked a bigger mission: to give students pathways to learn by doing — gaining direct access to the creative, cultural, and business heartbeat of the fashion industry.

When the world paused during COVID-19, Fashion for Futures didn't stand still. We expanded our network, innovated with new ways to connect students and mentors virtually, and proved that curiosity, creativity, and community can cross any border — even when borders close.

Today, Fashion for Futures is an international learning community spanning New York, Milan, Paris, Florence, and beyond. Thousands of students have stepped backstage with us, built competitive portfolios with world-class mentors, explored how cultural intelligence and global business shape modern fashion, and connected with industry professionals who inspire them to lead — not just follow.

From Wall Street to Florence, through lockdowns and onto the world's runways, we're still guided by the same belief: real-world experiences change lives — and build futures.

Fashion for Futures proudly stands at the intersection of education, industry, and global culture — preparing students not only to enter the world of fashion but to shape it with knowledge, confidence, and curiosity. Because the next generation shouldn't just watch the industry — they should help reinvent it.