The Solstiss Academy

Solstiss thrives to help the next generation of designers discover the world of French lace and give them access to an Haute Couture fabrics, the same way the prestigious fashion brands have.

After the History of French Lace masterclass led by President & CEO François Damide, fashion design students are tasked with creating a look featuring Solstiss lace as the dominant material.

Students are coached throughout the process. Once looks are finalized, students are assessed on creativity, innovation, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetics by a jury of industry professionals. All students are certified Lace Experts.

2025–2026 Academy

The Solstiss Academy’s participating schools for the academic year are: Arizona State University - FIDM of Los Angeles, Kent State University, Otis College of Art & Design, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, Woodbury University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Academy of Art University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Istituto Marangoni of Miami. 

A total of 50 students participated; Solstiss donated a total of $50,000 of lace with winners' prizes valued at $30,000 total.

The inaugural Solstiss Soirée will be held this October at the Cultural Services of the French Embassy to celebrate the top 10 winning American fashion designers from each school participating in the 2025-2026 Solstiss Academy program. During the event, we will also present the first Solstiss Academy Award, which will be awarded by Ms. Vera Wang.

2024–2025 Academy

The Solstiss Academy’s participating schools for the academic year are: Arizona State University - FIDM of Los Angeles, Istituto Marangoni of Miami, Kent State University, Parsons School of Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Woodbury University. 

A total of 25 students participated; Solstiss donated a total of $45,000 of lace with winners' prizes valued at $21,000 total.

View Winning Designs

2023–2024 Academy

The Solstiss Academy’s participating schools for the academic year are: Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising of Los Angeles, Fashion Institute of Florida, Istituto Marangoni of Miami, Kent State University, Otis College of Art and Design, Parsons School of Design, and Savannah College of Art and Design. 

A total of 67 students participated; Solstiss donated a total of $55,000 of lace with winners' prizes valued at $33,000 total.

View Winning Designs

For the first time in French lace history, American fashion schools were showcased in France.

The winning look from each school who participated in our 2023-2024 Solstiss Academy was showcased at the Lace & Embroidery Museum of Caudry for a featured exhibit, during November 7, 2024–January 27, 2025.

The Solstiss Academy at the Lace & Embroidery Museum of Caudry

As Seen in WWD

Read more here.