The Principality of Monaco, a world-renowned hub for elegance, affluence and grandeur, provides the perfect setting for the International University of Monaco’s Luxury Society, a student-led organisation that is connecting young students with industry leaders in a bid to help guide and shape their future careers in the high-end sector.
In an interview with Monaco Life‘s Niki Borisova, Valentin Della Libera, a 23-year-old from Lille and the president of the IUM Luxury Society, and Léa Lombardini, a 25-year-old from Switzerland and the society’s vice-president, share how the International University of Monaco (IUM) and this student-led concept are preparing students for careers in the luxury industry. Both are pursuing a Master’s in Luxury Management, IUM’s largest and most sought-after master’s programme, which spans 16 months and currently has more than 100 enrolled students.
Della Libera, who completed a bachelor’s degree at IUM in Luxury Hospitality and Tourism before advancing to the Master’s programme, first joined the Luxury Society as a member in September 2023, before stepping into the role of President in January 2025. Lombardini, who shares his passion for luxury, was quick to accept his invitation to join the board.
“For me, it was a no-brainer,” she says. “I wanted to be around like-minded people and in a community. There are incredible opportunities through networking events and workshops to get a foot into the industry.”
The society was originally founded by former IUM student Malena Mota, who has since graduated and now works at Chanel in Paris.
“The main mission of the Luxury Society is to connect students with luxury leaders across different sectors, such as yachting, jewellery, fashion and the automotive industry,” he explains, adding, “It’s also a great opportunity to meet professionals directly and gain firsthand insights into the industry.”
Lombardini agrees, “The goal is to create connections, not only between students and professionals but also among the students themselves.”
Industry exposure in Monaco’s luxury hub
Monaco, with its high concentration of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and established luxury brands, provides an ideal setting for students looking to build careers in the industry. The IUM Luxury Society capitalises on this environment, facilitating direct engagement with top professionals through networking events, lectures and store workshops.
The society’s opening event for the academic year, held at Buddha-Bar in October 2024, was one of its most successful gatherings.
“Around 150 people attended, including professionals who will be part of future lectures,” says Della Libera. “It was a great way to welcome new members and connect them with industry leaders in a relaxed setting.”
Beyond networking events, members can also attend industry-specific lectures.
“A few weeks ago, we hosted a lecture with the director of Audemars Piguet Monaco, who shared his expertise on the luxury watch industry,” Lombardini says.
The society is keen to further explore the luxury automotive sector too, with a lecture on Rolls-Royce scheduled for March.
In addition to lectures, members gain exclusive access to in-store experiences.
“Next, we have a private event at the Elie Saab store, where couture dresses will be flown in from Paris, allowing members to see the craftsmanship up close and learn about the design process,” Lombardini shares with Monaco Life. “Then, in March, we have a breakfast event at the Fendi boutique with the store director.”
Fashion-focused events have also been a major success. A private fashion show at the Monaco Yves Saint Laurent store drew such a large crowd that the society has since introduced quotas and ticket prices for certain events. A similar event was held recently at the local Prada boutique.
“We also no longer publicly announce dates—only members are informed—to maintain an intimate and exclusive atmosphere,” Lombardini notes.
Hospitality remains a strong focus, too.
“At the beginning of the year, we organised a lecture with Olivier Thomas, General Manager of Hôtel de Paris, which was well received by our members,” Della Libera says.
This event proved particularly valuable for him personally, as he later secured an internship at the hotel as Executive Assistant to Thomas.
“The society isn’t just about luxury in the traditional sense; hospitality is a major part of what we do,” he adds.
See more: “The next pages of history”: Olivier Thomas arrives at the Hôtel de Paris as new Managing Director
Meanwhile, Lombardini is keenly aware of the significance of Monaco’s location for hands-on learning.
“Monaco is the perfect place to gain hands-on experience with top industry professionals,” she says, adding, “Being here allows us to learn directly from the best in the luxury sector.“
Future aspirations and expanding the IUM Luxury Society
The IUM Luxury Society has already played a role in helping students secure internships and positions in top brands.
“We have had success,” says Lombardini. “Two members are now working in yachting, and another is at Elie Saab.”
Della Libera adds, “Some students have started internships in Monaco and then moved on to fashion capitals like Paris, Milan and Dubai.”
This is, however, one challenge linked to the society’s base in Monaco, as Della Libera explains.
“We don’t have the headquarters for luxury brands like LVMH here, but Monaco is great for networking—it brings together all sectors in one place,” he says.
There are pluses too, as Lombardini points out.
“Monaco also has the clients—people who come here expecting luxury and are ready to spend,” she notes.
Looking ahead, the society aims to collaborate with major local events like the Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco Grand Prix. There are also plans to expand the concept beyond IUM.
“I hope to create a similar society for Monegasque residents, not just students, and organise events for people who share the same passion for luxury,” reveals Della Libera.
Both Della Libera and Lombardini will graduate in 2026, meaning leadership of the society will soon pass to a new generation.
“The president must be a student, so I’ll have to pass on the role,” says Della Libera. “I already have an idea of who it might be—he’s not at IUM yet, but he’ll start soon.”
Reflecting on her experience, Lombardini says, “One of the most memorable moments for me was meeting the store manager of Tiffany at a society event. He shared so many insights and tips, and I loved how open and engaged professionals in Monaco are with us.”
For Della Libera, a standout moment was the society’s gala in November 2024, hosted in collaboration with a local luxury hotel to raise funds for a children’s health charity.
“We had the great honour of hosting Princess Stephanie,” he says. “It was such a beautiful event.”
As the IUM Luxury Society continues to grow, it remains a key stepping stone for students hoping to enter the world of luxury.
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On main photo of IUM Luxury Society’s recent event at the Monaco Prada store
Photo supplied