Visual Merchandising & Events Assistant (Alternance)
Chanel — Paris: Alternance Visual Merchandising & Events Assistant (VIC) starting Sept 2026. Work‑study role supporting VM and VIP fashion events across Europe.
Overview
Chanel is an iconic French luxury fashion house known for haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrance and beauty. Privately held and internationally recognized, the brand combines artisanal savoir-faire with innovation and a rigorous design language. As an employer, Chanel emphasizes creative excellence, meticulous attention to detail and opportunities for professional development across boutiques, ateliers and corporate functions.
Role & Responsibilities
- Support the Visual Merchandising (VM) and European fashion teams in the conception and execution of in-store displays, window schemes and seasonal visual campaigns.
- Assist as project manager for VIC (VIP/Very Important Client) fashion events across Europe: coordinate timelines, logistics, supplier briefings and on-site set-up.
- Produce technical layouts, installation guidelines, mood boards and presentation materials for internal stakeholders and retail teams.
- Liaise with boutiques, regional retail managers and external suppliers (set builders, florists, prop houses) to ensure consistent brand implementation.
- Manage event staffing, guest lists and client hospitality elements in collaboration with client services and store teams.
- Track project budgets and procurement, raise purchase orders and follow-up on invoices in coordination with finance and sourcing teams.
- Monitor post-activation KPIs, collect visual feedback from stores and propose optimizations for future VM and event initiatives.
- Ensure all work adheres strictly to Chanel brand standards, visual identity and merchandising guidelines.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme in Fashion, Visual Merchandising, Event Management, Marketing or a related discipline, eligible for an alternance (work‑study) contract in France.
- Strong organisational aptitude with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing presentations for senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrable interest or prior internship experience in visual merchandising, retail operations or event production.
- Comfortable working autonomously and as part of cross‑functional teams across different time zones.
- Professional manner and discretion when interacting with VIP clients and external partners.
Skills
Experience
Previous internships or 6–18 months of practical experience in visual merchandising, retail operations or event coordination is preferred; prior exposure to luxury retail contexts is an advantage.
Education
Enrolment in a relevant tertiary programme (Bachelor or Master) with eligibility for an alternance/work‑study contract in France.
Culture
Chanel cultivates a culture of craftsmanship, discretion and relentless pursuit of quality. Teams operate in a highly collaborative, design‑driven environment where precision and creative discretion are prized, and professional growth is supported through mentorship and cross‑disciplinary exposure.