News

On 18th April, we celebrated the MAFED decennial (2001-2011) at Bocconi's Aula Magna with the presence of our partner companies and alumni.
We had the opportunity to discuss the most relevant topics in fashion and design management with insights from Top Managers and MAFED Alumni. Please click here to see the event program and detailed guest list.

Three main topics were covered within three roundtables:

1. Next Managerial challenges in managing symbol intensive brands

• The challenge of company culture in a global marketplace: companies should most of all respect the cultures of the places where the brand is present but at the same time maintain its authenticity and original identity.
• The challenge of new markets: fashion and luxury companies should re-balance the investment between mature and new markets to cater to a constantly changing demand.
• The challenge of the web: the internet has become crucial in the fashion & design business providing companies with unlimited opportunities. However, it is important to always be original, innovate and not only follow others.

2. The challenge of people and talents

• The challenge of culture in family businesses: in fashion and design companies, culture is not only related to corporate culture, as in other businesses, but it is often the culture of a family (Ex: Zegna, Della Valle, Ferragamo), of a place (Ex: Biella, Milan, Marche, Florence). Professionals willing to enter these companies have to fit with this culture and have the right attitude.
• The challenge of competencies: talents in these businesses should be able to balance creativity and passion for the product with operational excellence.
• The challenge of talents retention: on the company side, strategies to attract and retain talents such as "listening management" and "feedback culture" are fundamental to make people grow inside the company, helping them to take risks and innovate.

3. Experiences of MAFED alumni

• From this roundtable we managed to understand that for our Alumni and for young talent it is crucial to be able to adjust to different cultures and business approaches working in an international context; it is a constant adaptation process.
• Companies who want to be attractive to talent coming out of MAFED should be open to new ideas and offer possibilities to grow inside the company; at the same time, talents should always keep in mind that fashion and design are first of all businesses that must survive in a very competitive marketplace.

The event was also a great occasion to reinforce the MAFED community of companies and past students. More than 130 MAFED alumni and current students and 30 companies interacted during the event and gala dinner.

We invite you to have a look at our photo gallery with pictures of the event and to look at the link below where you can get a feel for the outcome of the event.

Video of MAFED Decennial event

Thanks and we hope you can be with us next time!

In October 2010 one of our MAFED students Liliane Radu organized a non-profit project in Cambodia with the NPO Interplast (German NPO providing free plastic surgery in third world countries) and Ospedale Bambino Gesu in Takeo, Cambodia.

The mission required monetary support as plastic surgeons donated their time and skill, Ospedale Bambino Gesu hospital in Takeo donated facilities and personnel and various manufacturing firms donated medical equipment.

The MAFED class of 2010 came up with an action plan to raise money (took required out) and organized a lottery that was conducted throughout SDA Bocconi. MAFED partner companies generously donated prizes that were then raffled during a very nice Aperitivo near SDA Bocconi.

With more than 200 prizes the charity event was a success and the companies who donated items were:

- Albini Group
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Gucci
- Hugo Boss
- L'Oreal (perfumes)
- Luxottica
- Moleskine
- Moschino
- Oakley
- Ray Ban
- Stone Island
- Tod's
- Vogue

In January 2011 a group of 2 plastic surgeons, 2 anesthetist, 1 nurse and 2 volunteers (Liliane) traveled to Takeo, Cambodia. During two weeks the team operated approx. 90 (changed some things in this sentence) children between 0-18 years of age that come from Takeo, one of the poorest regions of Cambodia. All interventions were very successful and we are pleased to share with you a thank you letter written by Liliane.

• learning, through a step by step approach, the path to do a business plan within symbol – intensive industries;
• understanding the links among strategies, numbers, innovation, feasibility and long term profitability;
• testing your entrepreneurial quotient
• getting in touch and networking with key actors for developing your business.