Ernesto Naranjo

What has your professional journey been like? Where have you previously worked within the fashion industry or academia, and what is your current role at IE? Do you combine teaching with professional practice?

My professional journey has moved between international luxury fashion and independent design. I have worked at Maison Margiela under the creative direction of John Galliano in both the Artisanal and Prêt-à-Porter departments, and at Balmain alongside Olivier Rousteing. I have also collaborated with Lane Crawford Hong Kong, creating capsule collections for the Asian market. Alongside my professional practice, I am currently a professor in the Fashion Design degree at IE University, where I teach first-year students in the course Introduction to Fashion Design. I combine teaching with my ongoing work as a designer, which I see as essential. Being actively involved in the industry allows me to bring real-world experience, current references, and practical knowledge into the classroom.

Why did you decide to become a teacher, and why teach fashion design at IE School of Architecture & Design?

What makes IE’s approach to fashion education distinctive for you? Teaching came naturally to me as a way of giving back and sharing what I have learned throughout my international career. Fashion education played a fundamental role in shaping who I am as a designer, and I strongly believe in the power of mentorship at the early stages of a student’s development. IE’s approach to fashion education is particularly distinctive because it combines creativity with a global, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking mindset. Fashion is not taught in isolation, but in dialogue with architecture, design, technology, business, and sustainability. This reflects the reality of today’s fashion industry, where designers must think critically, strategically, and ethically.

Which course(s) do you teach, and how do they prepare students for the realities of today’s fashion industry? How do you integrate creativity, technical skills, sustainability, or innovation into your classes?

I teach Introduction to Fashion Design, a first-year course that lays the foundation for students’ creative and professional development. The course focuses on helping students build a strong design language while understanding the fashion design process from concept to creation. In my classes, creativity is always supported by structure. Students work on research, concept development, silhouette, proportion, and material exploration, while also being introduced to technical thinking and responsible design practices. Sustainability is integrated as a mindset rather than a trend, encouraging students to think about production, craftsmanship, and long-term value from the very beginning. Innovation comes through experimentation, critical thinking, and learning how to question established norms.

In your view, what makes IE a great place to study Fashion Design? Which resources—such as studios, labs, industry collaborations, technology, or faculty expertise—do you find most valuable for fashion students?

IE offers a truly international and multidisciplinary environment that prepares students for the global fashion industry. The diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives enriches the learning experience and mirrors the reality of creative industries today. The combination of strong faculty expertise, access to design studios, technology-driven tools, and industry-oriented projects allows students to develop both creatively and professionally. I also find IE’s emphasis on collaboration and innovation particularly valuable, as it encourages students to work beyond traditional fashion boundaries.

What advice would you give to prospective students applying to IE’s Fashion Design programs? What skills, mindset, or values do you think are essential for succeeding in the contemporary fashion world?

My advice would be to stay curious, open-minded, and committed to learning. Technical skills can be developed over time, but curiosity, discipline, and a strong work ethic are essential. Fashion today requires designers to be adaptable, culturally aware, and responsible. I would also encourage students to build a strong personal point of view while remaining open to collaboration and feedback. Understanding who you are, where you come from, and what you want to communicate through design is key to building a meaningful and sustainable career in fashion.