LOUIS VUITTON ACCESSORIES DESIGN GRADUATES INITIATIVE 2026

Accademia Costume & Moda once again confirms its leading role in the education of future accessory designers by taking part in the second edition of the Louis Vuitton Accessories Design Graduates Initiative (LVADGI), an international project created to identify and support the next generation of luxury talents. An initiative that clearly reflects the Academy’s educational philosophy: bringing students into direct contact with the real dynamics of the industry during their studies.

Louis Vuitton meets ACM students

The new edition of the contest was officially presented last December at Accademia Costume & Moda’s Rome Campus, with the participation of key figures from Louis Vuitton who are directly involved in creative and talent development processes:

• Edin Eder, Head of Design Leather Goods Studio
• Millie de la Vallette, Head of Creative Talent Acquisition
• Sarah Azzoug, Partnership Academic & Campus HQ

During the meeting, Louis Vuitton professionals shared with students the Maison’s design approach, brand values, the skills currently required in the accessories sector and the expectations placed on emerging designers. This direct exchange offered students a clear understanding of how design translates into product development, strategy and professional growth within a global luxury brand.

A collaboration that delivers concrete results

Accademia Costume & Moda’s participation in the LVADGI is part of a well-established collaboration with Louis Vuitton. Many ACM alumni are now working within the Maison, particularly in leather goods and accessories teams, confirming the effectiveness of an educational path strongly oriented towards professional integration.

The success of the first edition of the contest is a clear example: alumnus Daniel Becker stood out among more than 200 international applicants, securing a place among the 15 finalists and presenting his project to the Louis Vuitton jury in Paris. A result that reflects the high level of preparation offered by the Academy and its ability to train designers who are competitive on an international scale.

The contest: a professional experience integrated into the curriculum

The new edition of the Louis Vuitton Accessories Design Graduates Initiative involves third-year students of the BA in Costume & Fashion and students of the Master in Accessories Design, who are invited to work on a real creative brief developed directly by Louis Vuitton.

For 2025, the proposed themes are:

• The Future of Leather, focused on designing an iconic bag that combines brand identity, innovation and sustainability through recycled materials and upcycling processes.
• Unlimited Creativity, encouraging the exploration of new accessory categories, from small leather goods to jewellery, eyewear and gifting items.

Projects will be evaluated based on creative quality, technical skills, design development and innovative potential.

From ACM to Paris

The pre-selection phase will take place between February and March 2025. Finalists will present their projects to the Louis Vuitton jury in Paris in April. Winners will be offered the opportunity to join the Maison’s leather goods and accessories teams starting in September 2025.

Why choose Accademia Costume & Moda

Accademia Costume & Moda stands out for an educational model that integrates academic training, project-based learning and collaborations with leading luxury Houses. Experiences such as the Louis Vuitton Accessories Design Graduates Initiative allow students to engage with professional standards and build a concrete pathway into the industry.

Choosing Accademia Costume & Moda means gaining access to real opportunities, direct connections with the luxury sector and an internationally recognised education—a path that, for many students, leads directly to a career within the world’s most prestigious fashion and luxury brands.