Alumni Interview with Rae Ren: Senior Fashion Advisor at Louis Vuitton

Rae Ren’s journey from IESA arts&culture to Louis Vuitton highlights the value of international education and cultural understanding in the competitive luxury fashion industry.

Fashion Stylist at Louis Vuitton, she shares her experiences and insights on how studying in France shaped her career. Her path began with a preparatory French program at IESA arts&culture and continued with fashion marketing and business studies at LISAA Mode.

Discovering a Passion for Fashion

Rae’s interest in creative design led her to IESA, where she enhanced her French language skills and gained a foundation in art history and drawing. "I’ve always been passionate about drawing and creative design since my teenage years," she explains. After a year at IESA, she transitioned to LISAA to focus on fashion marketing and business, setting the stage for her entry into the luxury fashion world.

Landing a Dream Job at Louis Vuitton

Upon graduating from LISAA, Rae returned to China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her resume quickly caught the attention of Louis Vuitton, leading to a swift online interview and, subsequently, an in-person meeting with the store director. Initially applying for a Client Advisor position, her background in French fashion and luxury studies led to an offer for a Fashion Stylist role.

"During the interview, they saw my background in fashion and luxury studies in France, and they offered me a Fashion Stylist role instead," Rae recalls. She emphasizes the competitiveness of the job market in China, particularly in the luxury sector, where her French education gave her a significant advantage.

The Advantage of Studying in France

Studying in France provided Rae with a unique understanding of French luxury culture, which she now uses daily. She often translates and explains the historical significance of French luxury items to her colleagues in China, such as the Louis Vuitton “Petite Malle” bag. This expertise has proven invaluable in her role.

Rae believes her time at IESA was crucial in preparing her for further studies at LISAA. The preparatory program not only improved her language skills but also introduced her to the French approach to education, which emphasizes creativity and expressing one's own ideas. "It provided a solid foundation for me to improve my language skills and understand the artistic and cultural landscape in France," she notes.

Key Skills and Cultural Insights

The art history courses and museum visits at IESA enriched Rae's understanding of European art and culture. This knowledge is particularly useful when dealing with French culture in her current role. She explains, "We sell books about French history and lifestyle, and I am here to explain French culture to others. It’s about more than just fashion. It’s about the way people live, their choices, their aesthetics, and their traditions."

"Now that I work at Louis Vuitton, when I look at small details, I understand how they were made," she says. "If I hadn’t studied in France, I wouldn’t know how to create these details or how to construct garments with such precision."

Current Role and Responsibilities

As the Head of Stylists in the Louis Vuitton boutique, Rae leads a team that caters to VIP clients, offering styling guidance for various events. Currently, they are working on the F1 project, styling clients for the Formula 1 race in Shanghai. Her role also involves analyzing new collections and conducting training sessions for client advisors.

Rae's success at Louis Vuitton includes securing over one million euros in orders for the Fall/Winter 2025 Men's Collection in a single day. This accomplishment highlights her ability to connect with clients and drive sales, even when clients can only view the products through photos and videos.

Rae observes significant differences between the work cultures in France and China. In France, she notes a greater emphasis on work-life balance, while in China, dedication to work is paramount. Her time in France shifted her perspective, teaching her that work can be a way to pursue passions and dreams.

Advice for Aspiring Students

Rae highly recommends the preparatory program at IESA for Chinese students, emphasizing the value of the memories and experiences gained in France. She also recommends LISAA for its friendly professors, stimulating environment, and emphasis on creativity. For students newly arrived in Paris, she advises attending all classes, practicing French with native speakers, and preparing a strong portfolio that reflects the French aesthetic.

Future Goals and Inspirations

Looking ahead, Rae aspires to become a regional manager and potentially return to France to further her studies in luxury. She is inspired by Jean-Paul Gaultier, whose creativity and influence on renowned designers resonate with her. Rae also acknowledges the challenges facing the luxury sector, including changing consumer habits and increased competition. She notes that brands are adapting to meet the needs and tastes of consumers from diverse cultures. As luxury brands increasingly focus on the Chinese market, Rae’s insights and experiences are more valuable than ever.

Rae Ren’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of international education and cultural immersion. Her experiences at IESA and LISAA not only equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the luxury fashion industry but also instilled in her a passion for French culture and a commitment to sharing her expertise with others.