PARIS PORTFOLIO BOOSTER
Lead by Jørgen Simonsen
The Paris Portfolio Booster is an elite weekend intensive for university-level fashion and design students who want to elevate their creative practice in one of the world’s greatest fashion capitals. Students work closely with Jørgen Simonsen, a visionary designer with decades of haute couture experience, to research, sketch, develop, and refine portfolio-quality work through real-world inspiration.
Dates: One Session available every month
Price: Starting from €1,175 per student
Accommodation: Not included, available as optional add-ons.
Step into a transformative weekend in Paris, designed for emerging creatives ready to elevate their design thinking and creative direction. The Paris Portfolio Booster is an intensive experience tailored for university students in Fashion Design, Visual Arts, Illustration, Styling, Fashion Communication, or Cultural Studies. Whether you’re looking to refine your storytelling, strengthen your concept development, or gain fresh inspiration from one of fashion’s most iconic cities, this program is your launchpad. No advanced technical skills are required—just curiosity, creativity, and a readiness to be challenged by one of couture’s most visionary minds.
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By 12:00 PM: Arrival in Paris and check in at your hotel in Montmartre, known for its artistic heritage and panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon:
Welcome orientation and guided tour of Montmartre and its charming streets, including local boutiques and cafés frequented by the fashion elite.
French Language Class: Learn essential French phrases to help you navigate the fashion world, from introductions to common industry terms.
Evening:
Aperitif: Start your Paris adventure with a traditional French Aperitif, a perfect opportunity to meet your mentors and fellow participants in a relaxed setting.
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Morning:
Industry Professional Workshop: Join a special session with a renowned fashion designer and leading PR experts, gaining insight into how to navigate the fashion world from both creative and business perspectives. Learn the importance of PR in building a brand and how designers work to balance creativity with industry demands.
Afternoon:
Fashion House Visit: Explore the inner workings of a major Parisian fashion house, where you'll witness firsthand how luxury collections are created and presented to the world.
Backstage preparation for Paris Fashion Week begins, assisting with show preparation and model dressing.
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All Day:
Experience your first full day backstage at Paris Fashion Week, assisting with multiple shows throughout the day. You'll participate in vital backstage roles such as dressing models, organizing outfits, and ensuring runway logistics run smoothly.
Meet and collaborate with designers, stylists, and other industry professionals.
Evening:
Free Time: Enjoy the evening at your leisure. Explore Paris at your own pace, try out a local restaurant, or simply relax in Montmartre.
Sample Itinerary*
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Hotel Package: 2-night safe, central stay
Professional photo documentation of your experience
1:1 Post-Program Mentorship Session with Jørgen
Arts de la Table Workshop: culinary design immersion with Olivia Harmel de Larminat
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3–6 original portfolio sketches
A mini capsule concept rooted in real Paris inspiration
A polished designer statement (300 words)
High-quality photos of the process & sketches
Insider feedback & professional guidance
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Flights
Travel Protection
Meals and tours not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses and spending money
Ready to Collaborate?
Fashion for Futures partners with universities and art departments to make this unique weekend intensive part of honors tracks, portfolio preparation, or cultural enrichment for creative majors.
Book your A Fashion Immersion Weekend in Paris now.
*Please note that while minor adjustments may be made to the final program, Fashion for Futures is committed to delivering an exceptional experience. We’re happy to take into consideration specific requests from your university to create a bespoke offering that fits your students’ academic goals and creative ambitions. Get ready for a journey that immerses students in the fashion world through hands-on learning, industry access, and unforgettable moments designed to inspire and empower.
Why Fashion For Futures is Different?
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Mentorship by a Master
Jørgen Simonsen brings decades of high fashion experience to an intimate setting.
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Portfolio-Driven
Students walk away with usable, high-quality material for applications and career development.
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Compact & High-Impact
Designed for ease of travel, with a Friday–Sunday structure that doesn’t disrupt the academic calendar.
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Global Exposure
Students build creative confidence in a cultural capital, learning to observe, research, and synthesize inspiration from real-world locations.
Meet your Faculty Lead
JØRGEN SIMONSEN
Couturier and Global Creative Director
With over 30 years in luxury fashion, Jørgen Simonsen is a visionary designer whose work blends classic couture with modern sophistication. Originally from Denmark, he built his career in Paris and Milan leading the Design at Versace, Valentino, and Givenchy, dressing icons like Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Nicole Kidman.
Known for his refined storytelling and couture expertise, Jørgen now mentors young creatives to uncover and sharpen their own artistic voice through real-world context and disciplined design thinking.
Today, Simonsen combines his European heritage with a forward-thinking approach, inspiring the next generation to shape their future in fashion.
His approach to mentorship is grounded in the belief that fashion is both an art form and a discipline—one that requires curiosity, precision, and emotional intelligence. Whether guiding students through the intricacies of draping or challenging them to question the purpose behind a silhouette, Jørgen encourages a design process rooted in intention and integrity. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent reflects his own journey: global in scope, exacting in standard, and deeply human at its core.
Supporting team members
Ilyssa Wexler
CEO & Educator
Professor, global educator, and entrepreneur. Ilyssa blends her Wall Street business background with her life in Florence to build real-world pathways for the next generation of fashion talent. With deep industry connections and a passion for experiential learning, she turns cities like New York, Milan, and Paris into living classrooms — opening backstage doors, creating cultural bridges, and helping students see that fashion is so much more than trends — it's global, it's business, and it's their future.
Ready to Collaborate on your next Fashion Immersion Weekend in Paris?
Ready to Collaborate on your next Fashion Immersion Weekend in Paris?
Submit an enquiry today to allow your students to work directly with visionary couturier Jørgen Simonsen in this exclusive weekend intensive, designed for university-level fashion and design students looking to elevate their creative practice.
Still have questions? Contact us at info@fashionforfutures.com
We're here to help!
Testimonials From Our Alumni
Questions?
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