WHAT DEFINES THE NEXT GENERATION OF FASHION TALENT | Q&A WITH MILLIE DE LA VALETTE AND FLORIAN HASSIOTIS AT LOUIS VUITTON

What does it mean to be a creative today?

What defines a young creative beyond technical skills? What makes a point of view distinctive, and what qualities are shaping the next generation of fashion talent?

To explore these questions, we spoke with Millie Aoki de La Valette, Head of Creative Talent Acquisition, and Florian Hassiotis, Headquarters Campus Talent Acquisition Manager, both from Louis Vuitton, in a conversation rooted in the strong relationship of exchange between the Maison and Accademia Costume & Moda.

Their perspectives come from a year of encounters, ideas and creative dialogue with ACM students. We had the pleasure of welcoming Millie and Florian on the occasion of the Louis Vuitton Industry Project, developed with our Master in Accessories Design. A direct exchange with the Maison, giving students the opportunity to engage with a professional brief and present their creative development within an industry context.

The dialogue continued at our ACM Talents 2026 – BA Graduate Fashion Show, where Millie joined the jury and had the opportunity to discover the work and creative visions of ACM’s graduating students.

In this interview, Millie Aoki de La Valette shares her perspective on what Louis Vuitton looks for in young creatives, the skills every fashion student should cultivate and what makes a portfolio truly stand out.

Florian Hassiotis reflects on what excites him most about the new generation of fashion talent and the qualities that make ACM students particularly memorable.

A conversation shaped by exchange, curiosity and a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

Q1. What do you look for in young creatives beyond technical skills?

Millie de La Valette: Firstly, I look for authenticity. This means a genuine expression of self in their work and a clear, personal voice that resonates. It’s about understanding who they are and what truly drives their creative output.

Secondly, I value a strong point of view. This translates to a clear and well-defined perspective or “un parti pris”. It’s not just about having an opinion, but about articulating it effectively and standing by it with conviction.

Thirdly, creativity coupled with real intention and purpose is paramount. It’s not enough for something to merely “look good”; I seek evidence that their creative and innovative choices are deliberate, thoughtful, and serve a deeper objective. This demonstrates a commitment to meaning beyond superficial aesthetics, which in turn leads to innovation.

Ultimately, I am looking for individuals who can not only execute technically but also bring their unique perspective, genuine passion, and meaningful intent to every project.

Q2. Which is the one skill every fashion student should develop?

MDLV: As Head of Creative Talent Acquisition for Louis Vuitton, when considering the essential skills a fashion student should develop, I would highlight the following:

• Cultivate a deep understanding of fashion history. This knowledge provides the necessary perspective to anticipate and shape the future of fashion. By learning from the past, students gain the foresight to contribute meaningfully to the industry’s evolution while respecting its rich legacy.
• A highly refined sense of aesthetic intrinsically linked to the Maison’s DNA. This means not just understanding beauty, but understanding Louis Vuitton’s unique aesthetic language, heritage, and vision. It’s about having the discerning eye to create designs that are both innovative and unmistakably Louis Vuitton. This specific focus on the Maison’s DNA is particularly crucial when searching for internships, where alignment with the brand identity is paramount.
• Finally, and perhaps most foundational, is the ability to sketch by hand to effortlessly express ideas. While digital tools are prevalent, the fluidity and immediacy of hand-drawing remain unparalleled for conveying raw creativity, nuanced details, and the very essence of a concept. This skill is vital for rapid ideation and clear communication within a design team.

Q3. Portfolio or CV: which one catches your attention first?

MDLV: For me, when evaluating potential candidates, it is unequivocally the portfolio that catches my attention first. I specifically look for a portfolio that is meticulously curated, ideally no more than 30 pages, and presented as a lightweight PDF to ensure easy submission and review via email.

Crucially, this portfolio must be exceptionally well-crafted, serving as a direct reflection of all the qualities I articulated in response to the first question: authenticity, a strong point of view (“un parti pris fort”), and creativity coupled with real intention and purpose.

It should powerfully demonstrate these attributes through the work itself, showcasing not just technical skill, but also the unique voice and strategic thinking of the creative.

Q4. What excites you most about the new generation of fashion talents?
Florian Hassiosit: What excites me most about the new generation of fashion talent is their ability to combine creativity with consciousness. They are not only bringing fresh aesthetics and bold perspectives, but also challenging the industry to be more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally aware.

This generation is less interested in simply following tradition and more focused on redefining it. They draw inspiration from a wide range of identities, communities, and disciplines, which makes their work feel more original and globally relevant.

There is also a strong entrepreneurial spirit among them, they understand branding, digital presence, and community building in ways that are transforming how fashion is created and shared.

Q5. What do you think makes ACM students stand out?
FH: ACM students stand out for their creativity, drive, and fresh vision. They don’t just learn fashion, they bring their own point of view and the courage to push boundaries.

The diversity also of their backgrounds and talents makes each vision truly unique. That mix of individuality, energy, and ambition makes them truly memorable.

Florian Hassiotis’ words reflect the values at the heart of ACM: creativity, individuality, a strong personal point of view and the courage to push boundaries.

At ACM, fashion education goes beyond technical training. Through Industry Projects, collaborations with leading international fashion Maisons, professional encounters and hands-on experiences, students are encouraged to develop their creative identity while gaining a deeper understanding of the fashion industry.

With Bachelor and Master programmes in Costume and Fashion Design, Accessories Design, Fashion Communication and other specialised areas, ACM offers a practice-based and industry-focused education, preparing students to build their own path within the international fashion and creative industries.