Inclusive Fashion Brand Ester Manas' Masterclass at IFA Paris
Posted on 17/03/2025
IFA Paris welcomed Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, founders of the Ester Manas brand, for an inspiring Masterclass. Since its creation in 2019, this young brand has stood out for its commitment to inclusive and sustainable fashion. Facing the students, the two designers shared their vision, the challenges of the industry, and the values that drive their brand.
ADVOCATING FOR Inclusive Fashion
During this Masterclass, Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre reflected on the creation of their brand and the values that define it.
Convinced that fashion should reflect the diversity of the real world, they champion an aesthetic that celebrates all body types. “We have been presented with an image of fashion that is incredibly polished and beautiful, always featuring the same models. Now, we are trying to create new standards,” explains Balthazar Delepierre.
Their approach goes beyond representation; they aim to prove that inclusivity and aesthetics can go hand in hand. Balthazar Delepierre adds, "Successfully conveying an inclusive message while maintaining a strong and attractive image creates a real turning point for change". This bold vision has helped them carve out a space in an industry often seen as exclusive.
A Brand Committed to Sustainable Fashion
Beyond inclusivity, Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre place sustainability at the heart of their approach. Their goal: to offer a more responsible fashion by rethinking production methods and reducing the environmental impact of their brand. “We need to find a way to create amazing, sustainable products while being inspired by the process. It’s a huge challenge, but it’s quite exciting,” says Balthazar Delepierre.
Jean-Baptiste Andreani, director of IFA Paris, praised the brand’s dual commitment: “Ester Manas, as a brand, could be considered emergent, but they have a very interesting position. They focus on sustainability, not only in terms of optimizing environmental resources but also by championing the values of diversity and inclusivity.”
A Valuable Exchange with Students
This Masterclass was an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the current challenges in fashion. The questions revealed a genuine interest in the creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic aspects. “By attending this Masterclass, we were surprised by the diversity of questions asked and by the students’ interest, both in the brand and in how to build a business, as well as how to build a sustainable business,” says Ester Manas.
Students also shared their enthusiasm: “I found it very interesting to explore their perspective as a young brand that has emerged since 2019. Seeing their entire process, from design to marketing, was particularly enriching,” said one student. Another student added, "I particularly appreciated the direct connection to my studies, especially concerning sustainability in fashion and luxury, which are major concerns today.”
These Masterclasses allow students to learn from dedicated and innovative professionals, helping them develop their own vision and confidently envision their future careers.
Do you dream of creating a fashion brand that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity? Explore IFA Paris specialized postgraduate programs, including Sustainable Fashion Design, Fashion Entrepreneurship Design, MBA Sustainable Fashion Business and MBA Fashion Tech Entrepreneurship to help you turn your vision into reality.