Fashion forward: A 2025 roundup on education, career, and leadership

Over the past year, FashionUnited has explored what it really means to work in fashion today — from evolving leadership models and career realities to the educators shaping the next generation. Below is a curated roundup of key articles that together paint a picture of an industry in transition, balancing creativity, responsibility and new expectations of work.

The future of leadership in fashion: What types of leaders do the next generations want?

This article examines how younger generations entering the fashion workforce are redefining leadership expectations. Moving away from hierarchical, top-down models, the piece highlights a growing demand for transparency, inclusivity, ethical decision-making and purpose-driven leadership, as well as leaders who actively listen and adapt to rapid cultural and technological change.

Four CEOs on successful leadership: ‘I avoid social media’

Through candid reflections from four fashion CEOs, this piece offers a grounded look at leadership behind the scenes. The executives discuss focus, resilience and long-term thinking, challenging the assumption that constant online visibility equals effective leadership, and emphasizing instead the value of clarity, trust and personal conviction.

And they also teach: Makeba Lewis, textile designer, sustainability consultant and teacher at Central Saint Martins

Profiling Makeba Lewis, this article explores how sustainability is being integrated into fashion education at one of the world’s leading institutions. Lewis discusses bridging theory and practice, encouraging students to critically assess materials, systems and impact while preparing them for a more responsible fashion industry.

And they also teach: Juanita Crary, stylist and educator

This piece highlights stylist and educator Juanita Crary’s approach to teaching fashion as both a creative and cultural practice. Drawing on industry experience, Crary emphasizes storytelling, visual literacy and adaptability, helping students understand how styling intersects with identity, media and commercial realities.

Caroline Lefrère of Agence Hermana: ‘It is almost impossible to produce a fashion show for under 50,000 euros’

In this candid interview, Caroline Lefrère sheds light on the financial and logistical pressures behind fashion shows today. The article unpacks rising production costs, shifting brand priorities and the growing tension between spectacle and sustainability, offering insight into the business realities facing fashion professionals.

Co-leadership at Otto: Insights into an innovative leadership model

Focusing on co-leadership at Otto, this article explores an alternative management structure gaining traction in fashion and retail. By sharing responsibility and decision-making, the model aims to foster collaboration, agility and work-life balance — qualities increasingly valued by modern teams.

And they also teach: Diana Murek, designer and Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni Milan

This profile of Diana Murek delves into how leadership in fashion education is evolving. As Director of Education, Murek discusses aligning academic programs with industry needs while nurturing creativity, critical thinking and global perspectives in students preparing for competitive fashion careers.

And they also teach: Lucia Cuba, designer, social psychologist and educator

Lucia Cuba’s multidisciplinary background takes center stage in this article, which explores how psychology and design intersect in fashion education. Her teaching approach encourages students to understand human behavior, social dynamics and emotional intelligence as essential tools for designers and creative professionals.

And they also teach: Federico Antelo Granero, visual artist, textile designer and educator

This final profile looks at Federico Antelo Granero’s practice-led approach to teaching. Blending art, textiles and experimentation, the article underscores the importance of material exploration, craftsmanship and conceptual thinking in educating fashion creatives for a rapidly evolving industry.

Together, these articles reflect a fashion industry reassessing how it works, leads and educates — and the people shaping its future from classrooms, studios and boardrooms alike.