On November 16, the School of Graduate Studies and professional development launched its postgraduate programs in Fashion Management, Business, and Communication—the only ones of their kind in the country—which professional development April 2024. Both the Master’s in Fashion Management and Communication and the Specialization Diploma in Fashion Management and Business are innovative offerings in the national market, designed to prepare highly qualified professionals to assume leadership and management roles in the fashion industry.
The event featured the participation of Jimena Bonomo, MBA —founder and director of Jibona—, Mercedes Thul, MBA —Head of Wholesale at We Are The New Society (Spain)—, Inés Arrosa Shaw —creative director of Margara Shaw—and Ind. TyM Mariana Muzi —academic coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design.The discussion was moderated by Mag. Sabrina Bianchi—academic secretary of the School of Graduate Studies and professional development Universidad ORT Uruguay
Industry professionals discussed the challenges facing the sector and reflected on the opportunity they had a few months ago, when seven slow fashionclothing brands participated—alongside Uruguay XXI—in two major international trade shows to generate business opportunities.
Creativity and Business
"These graduate programs were created in response to the needs of professionals in the industry," explained Sabrina Bianchi. On this point, Mariana Muzi added: "Without a doubt, these past 20 years have been a fascinating journey. In 2004, when we launched the Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, we were all professionals working in the industry. At that time, we made a commitment to fostering creativity, with a technical and theoretical component to go hand in hand.” Over time, they began to see the potential to create profitable business models, “with a distinct national identity and a very strong signature design identity.”
Today we have broken new ground: today, Uruguayan consumers are buying Uruguayan fashion.
D. Ind. TyM Muzi
In that regard, speaking from Spain, Mercedes Thul said that one of Uruguay’s strengths is its creativity. “In that respect, it’s on par with any major international company, whether in the United States or Europe.” However, based on her experience working with international brands, she believes that attention should be paid to management training. “For regional reasons, Uruguay has always looked outward; the multiculturalism seen in Uruguay is not common in other countries.”
Thul highlighted “the seasonal nature of the product, the lead time for production, and the planning involved in the entire production process.”
I think it’s worth noting the professionalism with which people work in Uruguay. That’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated in any market.
Mercedes Thul, B.A., M.B.A.
“Constant innovation is key,” said Jimena Bonomo. “Seasonality and trends have a direct impact on collection development, inventory, and production planning. All of that makes it quite challenging and unique compared to other industries.”
Based on his experience, Bonomo always knew he wanted to expand the business internationally. To do so, “I understood that I needed to go through a preparatory phase first, lay a slightly more solid foundation, and get myself ready.” A couple of years ago, thanks to the support of Uruguay XXI, she had the opportunity to participate in several very enriching international events. “It was very valuable to go as part of a delegation and interact with other Uruguayan brands, because you also learn from and support other female entrepreneurs who are in the same situation.”
When you put your brand out there, it pushes you to take your offering to the next level and strive to make the most of your product so you can compete in a market that is both vast and highly demanding.
Jimena Bonomo, B.A., M.B.A.
Inés Arrosa argued that these professionals must be “creative-commercial,” because “it’s very difficult to be successful with creativity alone.”
Regarding international expansion, she explained that at Margara Shaw they conduct an annual review, during which they set goals for the following year. “Last year, we set a goal to go abroad, without knowing whether Uruguay XXI would provide support. (The experience) exceeded all our expectations: we went with the confidence that our work is worthwhile; we know that Uruguayan design is spectacular.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztVzC0WFk4E