History of the IFM

1978 : André Giraud, then Minister for Industry, nominated Pierre Bergé President of a commission that was set up to look into the new competitive environment and training in the textile and fashion industries.

1986 : The IFM was established with the financial aid of DEFI, the committee for the development and promotion of the textile and garment industries.

1986 : The first class of MANAGEMENT PROGRAM students begin their course.

1988 : EXECUTIVE EDUCATION departement opens.

1990 : MARKET RESEARCH & CONSULTING departement opens.

1992 : First participation in the European ERASMUS exchange program (Germany, Russia, The Netherlands, Spain).

1994 : Establishment of the CERCLE IFM, which brings together the companies that are patrons of the IFM with the intention of creating student grants.

1999 : The IFM fuses with the CTCOE (Centre textile de conjoncture et d’observation économique), an organisation that was set up in 1966 in order to monitor the economic situation and observe the textile market.

2000 : The general activities of the IFM are financed by the MINISTÈRE DE L’INDUSTRIE, launch of the FASHION DESIGN PROGRAM.

2001 : Launch of the PUBLISHING department.

2003 : Establishment of the RESEARCH CENTER.

2004 : Launch of the GLOBAL FASHION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE MBA.

2006 : The IFM joins the CONFÉRENCE DES GRANDES ÉCOLES as "Membre Correspondant".


Key figures

Since the IFM was established, 900 professionals have graduated.

Thanks to the IFM's patron companies, 290 grants have been given, over 40% of those going to foreign students.

The Executive Education department trains 3 000 managers and executives each year.

The Library and Information Center is used by over 700 visitors per year.