EMAC Class of 2023 Paris Trip and Graduation Ceremony

From June 7 to 10, the Executive Master in Media, Art and Creation (EMAC) first ever cohort travelled to Paris with a packed schedule: starting with the Grand Palais Immersif's "Éternel Mucha" exhibition, they then visited the impressive Van Cleef & Arpels School of Jewelry Arts, the magnificent Galerie Dior, the iconic Louis Vuitton “Maison” and Museum; the group also had the chance to enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine at sunset and attend an enlightening perfume-making workshop at Fragonard museum. Their trip ended on a high note with their grand Graduation ceremony on the HEC Paris campus in Jouy-en-Josas.

After almost a year and a half of modules in China, the first cohort of the EMAC program, created by HEC Paris and the Academy of Art and Design of Tsinghua University, was happy to fly to France for their last modules, company visits and an intense program of cultural and artistic activities. They got a close understanding of the century-old brand culture, had the chance to communicate directly with executives of the company to understand the backstory of their brand, and they also had a deeper understanding of their wisdom and inspiration. These new learnings will undoubtedly be applied to their own innovative practices in conjunction with the courses they had.

An intense cultural and artistic schedule

Led by Prof. Anne Michaut, EMAC Academic Director, the students were given a lecture on the current Paris popular exhibition, "Eternal Mucha". At the Van Cleef & Arpels School of Jewelry Arts, they took part in a visit on the aesthetics and design philosophy of the brand’s design. The speaker introduced the students to the new style of jewelry at the end of the 19th century - the “Art Nouveau” influences of the time in terms of design, materials, and craftmanship that inspired “Art Déco” and other genres of design that followed.

EMAC students were introduced to the Institut Bernardaud where they learned how centuries-old French porcelain is inspired by traditional craftsmanship and keeps on innovating. Lastly, a visit of the Louis Vuitton “Art nouveau” House and Museum in Paris suburbs shed a new light on this iconic world-famous trunk-maker.

A Commencement ceremony to remember

The last day of this trip also marked the final step of their EMAC academic journey. The HEC campus in Jouy-en-Josas was filled with joy and delight on June 10, as the HEC 2023 graduates of all Executive Education programs travelled from all over the world to celebrate their graduation with their family and friends. Over 3,500 participants attended an unforgettable ceremony (see video here) that ended with a performance by the world-famous Ivoirian band, Magic System.

For more information on the HEC Paris China Office