ESE Madrid welcome week: exclusive access to fashion, culture, and community

From the runways of Madrid Fashion Week to the galleries of the Reina Sofía and a rooftop aperitivo overlooking the city, ESE students began the year immersed in the culture, style, and energy that define Spain’s capital.

A vibrant start in Madrid

The first weeks at ESE Madrid offered students the opportunity to dive straight into the city’s energy and creativity. Attending runway shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, participating in a masterclass with industry expert Natacha Ferrero, and exploring the Reina Sofía with a guided tour brought Spanish art and history to life. These experiences exemplify the ESE philosophy that “the Dream is the most real thing there is,” encouraging students to engage with the world as active creators of their reality.

Highlights of ESE Madrid’s welcome week

Induction presentations

The week began with induction presentations on campus, introducing students to academic programs, student services, and opportunities for personal and professional development. These sessions reflect ESE’s commitment to preparing students not only academically but also practically, equipping them with the tools to navigate life in Madrid and beyond.

Exclusive Fashion Week access

One of the standout features of this year’s Welcome Week was our students’ participation in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Madrid 2025. Thanks to passes gifted directly by the designers, students attended runway shows by Yolancris, Isabel Sanchis, and Dolores Cortés, gaining an insider’s view of Spain’s most prestigious fashion event.

Experiencing Fashion Week not only introduced students to Madrid’s creative scene but also highlighted ESE’s close connections with the fashion and luxury industries – connections that provide students with unique exposure beyond the classroom.

In addition, students enjoyed a guided tour of the Loewe store on Calle Serrano, exploring the craftsmanship, design, and brand experience behind one of Spain’s most iconic luxury houses. These experiences highlighted ESE’s focus on blending academic insight with professional exposure, giving students a holistic understanding of the industries they aspire to enter.

MasterClass with Natacha Ferrero

Students were also privileged to participate in an exclusive MasterClass led by Natacha Ferrero, a distinguished Creative Project Manager at Hawkers Group. Natacha, renowned for her collaborations with The Nude Project and her extensive experience in creative strategy, delivered an insightful session. She expertly guided students through the intricate creative process involved in developing a compelling fashion and accessories campaign.

The MasterClass seamlessly blended theoretical frameworks with practical, real-world examples. This dynamic approach allowed students to gain firsthand understanding of how global brands conceptualize, design, and execute campaigns that effectively resonate with a wide array of diverse audiences across different markets and cultural contexts. The session explored various stages, from initial concept development and target audience identification to creative execution and performance analysis, providing a holistic view of the industry.

Cultural Immersion at the Reina Sofía

To complement the immersive experience in fashion and innovation, students were treated to a captivating guided tour of the Museo Reina Sofía. As one of Spain’s preeminent cultural institutions, the museum offered a profound exploration of modern and contemporary art. A particular highlight for the students was an in-depth analysis of Picasso’s monumental work, Guernica. Through expert guidance, they gained a deeper understanding of its historical context, artistic significance, and its enduring resonance as a powerful symbol in Spanish history and beyond. The visit provided a crucial balance to the week’s focus, emphasizing the interconnectedness of art, culture, and societal evolution.

Rooftop Welcome Aperitivo

The following week, the vibrant energy of Welcome Week continued with an informal rooftop aperitivo held at ABC Serrano, an iconic venue nestled in the sophisticated Barrio de Salamanca. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over Madrid’s breathtaking skyline, students gathered to share their initial impressions of the city and their new academic journey. Amidst laughter and lively conversation, they reflected on their first experiences, from navigating the charming labyrinthine streets to discovering hidden culinary gems. This celebratory evening marked a significant milestone, fostering a deep sense of community that is intrinsically woven into the fabric of the ESE Madrid experience. Such events are meticulously designed to encourage seamless collaboration, invaluable networking opportunities, and the formation of lifelong connections, laying the groundwork for a supportive and enriching academic and social environment.

A Week that Sets the Tone

ESE Madrid’s Welcome Week 2025 was more than an orientation. It was an immersion into the world of fashion, culture, and community life in one of Europe’s most inspiring capitals. By offering students access to world-class events, personalized learning experiences with industry leaders, and guided exploration of Madrid’s cultural landmarks, ESE ensures that the student experience reflects our core philosophy: combining academic excellence with real-world exposure, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of community.

This is just the beginning of an academic year filled with discovery, opportunity, and growth at ESE Madrid, where learning truly comes alive, both inside and outside the classroom.