Institut Français de la Mode Paris x Balenciaga

Designing for people living in the streets of Paris

For six months, Bas taught a course at Institut Français de la Mode in Paris in collaboration with Balenciaga, guiding fashion students through a design process rooted in social purpose. 

Across five phases - research, design, material sourcing, production and distribution - the students worked toward real-world impact. The course ended with direct impact on the streets of Paris, in collaboration with local organization Utopia 56.

The goal wasn’t just aesthetics. It was function, dignity, and care.

At the end of the course, students presented their designs and process in the Senate of Paris, speaking not only to fellow creatives, but to decision-makers: the Senator of Paris, the CEO of Paris Fashion Week, Chief Sustainability Officer of Kering, CEO of UNICEF France, and more.

“It was incredible to see the students experience the same feeling I had the first time I handed out a jacket to someone on the street. They used their creativity to support people who are often overlooked.” - Bas

The course was made possible thanks to Andrée-Anne Lemieux, Head of Sustainability at IFM and the driving force behind this collaboration. Year two of the program is now underway.