A conversation with...Lucien Pagès

A conversation with...

Lucien Pagès

Lucien Pagès needs no introduction. But before taking the helm of his press agency and contributing to the media success of numerous brands, it was at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne — which merged in 2019 with the Institut Français de la Mode — that he first encountered, somewhat intimidated, the world of fashion he had long dreamed of. A member of the board of IFM Alumni, Lucien Pagès recalls the memories that marked the beginning of his journey.

Do you remember your first discovery of fashion?

I remember the summaries of the fashion shows that would air at the end of the TV news programmes. During Paris Fashion Weeks, journalists like Marie-José Lepicard and Vivianne Blassel would cover the shows for TF1 and France 2. That was my only way of seeing fashion from where I was living. It made me dream!

Was there an encounter in your career that changed everything for you?

I’ve had several pivotal encounters at each stage of my professional life. They came together organically and gradually shaped me. I think of the journalist Simone Baron, the Yves Saint Laurent studio, the sound illustrator Michel Gaubert, the creative directors Fabrice Paineau and Marc Ascoli, the designer Adam Kimmel, the co-founder of Colette Sarah Andelman, the journalist Tim Blanks, and Chitose Abe, the creative director of Sacai, among many others.

Can you share a moment that particularly marked you during your studies at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne?

I was particularly struck by my entry into the school. I’d been told it was impossible for me to get in, that it was too elitist. So, I was nervous about going. It was a big change for me to leave the South and come to Paris to study fashion in the nineties. It was the beginning of an adventure. I loved the costume history teacher, she was fascinating and we got on very well. I had Elie Top draw my accessory sketches, he was much more talented than I was, and my friend Élodie finished my dresses.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and work in fashion press and communications?

Learn to speak English very well, but also immerse yourself in fashion, cinema, music, and art. In a world like fashion, where people don't raise each other up, being cultured makes a difference. Lastly, it is important to be patient and not have too many misconceptions.

Interview by Sophie Dajez (IFM MS 2023)

After studying social sciences and communications and gaining professional experience in the art world, Sophie Dajez completed the Fashion and Luxury Management Masters at the Institut Français de la Mode in 2022. Sophie now writes for brands, fashion houses and magazines and is co-founder and moderator of the Backstage Fashion Talks association.