The Sup de Luxe family: 30 years of passion and knowledge sharing
Founded in 1990 by Cartier, the Institut Supérieur de Marketing du Luxe, known as Sup de Luxe, has become a global reference in luxury management education. The institute has welcomed students from more than 70 countries, helping them develop the skills and expertise needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Sup de Luxe is a place shaped by passion, knowledge sharing and a constant pursuit of excellence.
The history of Sup de Luxe
The story of Sup de Luxe began with the initiative of Alain Dominique Perrin and Michel Guten, respectively President and Managing Director of Cartier International. Their vision was to create a unique institution led by luxury professionals to educate the future leaders of the industry. From its very first year, the institute introduced innovative educational programs that quickly became industry benchmarks.
In 1991, the first graduating class led to the creation of the Alumni Association, strengthening the alumni network and laying the foundations for a strong and supportive community. In 1996, Sup de Luxe found a new home at EDC Paris Business School, marking the beginning of a new era of growth and development.
The institute has continued to innovate through initiatives such as the creation of Sup de Goût in 2006, designed to train managers in gastronomy and the French art of living. This ability to reinvent itself and adapt to the evolving needs of the market has remained a constant throughout its history. This is reflected in the launch of the Bachelor in Luxury in 2015, specializing in retail and marketing, and the MSc Global Luxury Brand Management, which was awarded the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE) accreditation.
In 2017, Sup de Luxe joined Grupo Planeta, an international group specializing in publishing, media and higher education. This strengthened its international dimension and development capabilities. In 2020, the institute launched the MBA Online Luxury Management in the Digital Age, responding to the growing demand for flexible education adapted to the digital era.
Values and excellence
The core values of Sup de Luxe are passion, knowledge sharing and excellence.
Passion is the driving force behind our students and faculty, fostering a deep commitment to the luxury industry. Sharing this passion through a legacy of knowledge and experience passed on by exceptional industry professionals lies at the heart of the institute's mission.
Excellence, meanwhile, represents an ongoing pursuit: providing the highest-quality education while remaining closely aligned with the evolving needs and opportunities of the luxury market.
Above: the very first Sup de Luxe graduating class with Alain Dominique Perrin, Co-Founder of the Institute.
Chairs and Leading Industry Figures
Sup de Luxe has distinguished itself through its excellence chairs, dedicated platforms for knowledge sharing and research development. The Cartier Chair, established in 1990, embodies this commitment. Other chairs, including those developed with Le Figaro and more recently with Vranken Pommery-Monopole and MARCH LA.B, demonstrate the institute's commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments.
The Grands Témoins conferences are another cornerstone of the Sup de Luxe educational approach. Since its creation, the institute has welcomed more than 300 leading figures from the luxury industry, including Nicolas Bos of Van Cleef & Arpels, Francis Kurkdjian of his eponymous house and Dior, and Chantal Thomass.
These encounters provide students with unique perspectives and valuable insights from some of the industry's most influential leaders.
The Network and Partnerships
Sup de Luxe also places great value on partnerships with prestigious universities and institutions such as La Sorbonne and Polimoda. These collaborations allow students to broaden their horizons and benefit from a rich and diverse educational experience, incorporating the cultural and linguistic dimensions that are essential to the international luxury business.
The Alumni Association
The Alumni Association plays a key role in supporting graduates throughout their careers and contributing to the development of the luxury industry.With nearly 3,000 members, the association organizes conferences, debates and workshops, creating opportunities for networking and professional development.This dynamic and engaged community embodies the values of the institute and continues to strengthen its network across the world.
Global recognition
Sup de Luxe is internationally recognized for the quality of its programs in luxury marketing, management and business. Its programs regularly rank among the leading programs in their respective fields, with the Bachelor ranked No. 1 in France and the MBA recognized among the world's leading programs.This recognition reflects the institute's commitment to providing a world-class education tailored to the demands and opportunities of the luxury industry.
In summary, with 30 years of history, Sup de Luxe continues to shape the next generation of luxury professionals through a unique educational approach, strong partnerships and a close connection with the industry. The institute remains true to its core values of passion, knowledge sharing and excellence, while continuously adapting to contemporary challenges and preparing the leaders of tomorrow.