The Future of Fashion Careers: Bridging Industry and Academia

On July 4th, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Summer School “Responsible Fashion Management” at the University of Antwerp. It was a truly inspiring experience to engage with the next generation of fashion professionals — curious, driven, and ready to challenge the status quo.

As founder of STUDIOVEGTER, I witness daily how career paths are shifting. The traditional, linear career model is becoming obsolete. In its place, we see hybrid roles, interdisciplinary skill sets, and a growing demand for purpose, flexibility, and continuous growth.

During my talk, I highlighted three major structural shifts that are currently reshaping our industry:

Hybridization – Boundaries between departments like design, sustainability, tech, and marketing are dissolving. Collaboration and cross-functional work are the new norm.
Digital Integration – AI, data, e-commerce, and digital fluency are becoming core skills. But tech alone is not enough — creativity, ethics, and human insight remain essential.
Value Integration – Sustainability, ethics, and transparency are no longer add-ons. They are embedded into the core of business strategies, creating new roles and responsibilities.
What struck me most was the students’ openness to rethink their future. Their questions were not just about tools and trends, but about craftsmanship, ethics, and meaningful innovation. This gives me great hope.

At STUDIOVEGTER, we actively build bridges between industry, education, and innovation. Because only through real collaboration can we harness the right expertise, foster adaptability, and shape a resilient, responsible, and creative fashion industry.

Curious to learn more about career shifts, organizational change, and future directions in fashion?
I’d love to exchange thoughts and ideas — feel free to reach out!