Luxury MBA in Europe vs IIM/ISB — what’s better if I want to work in fashion?

Question

I’m really interested in building a career in fashion or luxury branding, and I’ve been considering MBAs in Europe like ESSEC and SDA Bocconi since they actually offer proper specialisations in luxury brand management.
The thing is, IIMs and ISB don’t really have that kind of focused track — but they’re more established in India and probably safer in terms of ROI.
Trying to figure out which one makes more sense if you want to enter the luxury industry but can’t ignore cost and long-term value.

B.K Sharma · Accepted Answer

If fashion or luxury is the goal, a European MBA like ESSEC or SDA Bocconi makes way more sense. These schools sit at the center of the luxury world &mdash; Paris, Milan &mdash; and they&rsquo;ve got actual links with LVMH, Kering, and brands like Armani and Chanel. Students get access to brand projects, internships, and industry events, which just doesn&rsquo;t happen at IIMs or ISB.
ROI is a real concern though. Luxury roles usually start at &euro;45K&ndash;&euro;60K, so if you&rsquo;re taking a big loan, it can feel slow. But if your long-term plan is to work in fashion branding, especially in Europe, the Middle East, or even Southeast Asia, these MBAs put you closer to the action.
IIMs and ISB are great for consulting, tech, and general management in India &mdash; but they don&rsquo;t offer the kind of fashion-specific exposure you&rsquo;d need to break into the luxury space.

Jayant M · Answer

It really comes down to what you want more,  safer ROI or direct entry into fashion. ISB and IIMs are great if you want to stay in India and go into consulting, e-commerce, or tech roles. But if luxury branding is the goal, they won&rsquo;t get you there. There&rsquo;s no real focus on fashion, and global luxury brands don&rsquo;t recruit from these campuses.
European MBAs like ESSEC and SDA Bocconi actually teach stuff that&rsquo;s useful in fashion &mdash; brand storytelling, merchandising, retail strategy &mdash; plus they give you access to real-world projects with LVMH, Chanel, etc. Some grads do land roles in Paris, Milan, or Dubai, especially in junior brand or marketing roles.
That said, they&rsquo;re expensive and ROI is slower. If budget is tight, look into scholarships or more affordable schools with fashion tracks. But if luxury is the goal, Europe gets you in the room. Indian MBAs, no matter how strong, just don&rsquo;t open that door.

Mohit C · Answer

Choosing between a luxury MBA in Europe and IIM/ISB depends on how committed you are to the fashion and luxury space.

ESSEC and SDA Bocconi offer actual coursework, projects, and partnerships in luxury brand management &mdash; these are built for that industry
IIMs and ISB are stronger for general management, consulting, and Indian market access, but not ideal if your focus is global luxury or fashion
Salaries in luxury roles are modest, especially in entry-level or brand marketing positions, so ROI won&rsquo;t be instant
Europe offers better access to global fashion hubs, but visas and language can be hurdles, especially in France and Italy
If you&rsquo;re serious about working with global brands in fashion, the Europe route has clearer industry pathways,  just be prepared financially

For those unsure or planning to work in India long-term, ISB or IIMs offer stronger brand value locally and broader exit options

Shruti T · Answer

If your goal is to work in fashion or luxury, a specialized MBA from Europe like the ones at ESSEC or SDA Bocconi will give you much more direct exposure. These schools offer dedicated courses, industry projects, and access to companies like LVMH, Kering, or L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al that you won&rsquo;t get at IIMs or ISB. The internships and networking opportunities are far more aligned with the luxury sector.
That said, ROI depends a lot on what roles you land post-MBA. Luxury jobs often pay lower than consulting or finance, and the job market in Europe can be slow, especially for non-EU grads. If you&rsquo;re counting on staying abroad and building a long-term career in fashion or branding, then the European route makes sense.
If you're planning to return to India or pivot to a safer role later, ISB or an IIM might offer better stability. But they won&rsquo;t open luxury-specific doors the way ESSEC or Bocconi can.