The Miami School Of Fashion & Design
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Welcome to Istituto Marangoni Miami, the Miami School of Fashion and Design, where we offer a range of programs tailored to the fashion and design industry. From pre-college courses to undergraduate, graduate, and vocational programs, we cater to individuals of various ages and skill levels.
Our institution emphasizes hands-on learning, mentorship from industry experts, and a commitment to pushing boundaries in the fashion world. Explore our programs and join us on your educational journey.
Our school, located in Miami, Florida, allows students to obtain knowledge and experience from the competitive fashion industry with relevant information and an up-to-date curriculum. By fostering connections both within and beyond our campus, students become integral participants in the ever-evolving fashion landscape. Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and networking events, our students gain firsthand experience and insights that propel their growth alongside Miami’s vibrant fashion community.
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OUR PROGRAMS
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DISCOVER
OUR PROGRAMS
OUR PROGRAMS
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VIEW ALL CASESAt Istituto Marangoni Miami, community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is heard, every talent is celebrated, and every dream is supported. Our community is more than just a collection of students—it’s a dynamic ecosystem where ideas are born, connections are forged, creativity is stimulated, and dreams are realized. Whether you’re collaborating on projects, attending industry events, or simply engaging in lively discussions with your peers, you’ll find endless opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed.
Our school believes in hands-on learning and the importance of building a professional portfolio right from day one. Our students engage in extracurricular activities that go beyond classroom walls, immersing themselves in a vibrant community that extends to the heart of the fashion and design industry.
With strong industry connections, our students collaborate with luxury houses and industry experts and participate in hands-on projects as part of their coursework. From fashion photography and videography to creative direction, fashion weeks, and design competitions, our students gain invaluable industry experience. Armed with confidence and a robust portfolio developed through classroom and real-world experiences, our graduates are well-prepared to thrive in the professional environment.
EXPLORE OUR MIAMI CAMPUS
EXPLORE OUR MIAMI CAMPUS
Located in the Miami Design District in Miami, Florida, our 7-story fashion campus is the epitome of fashion and innovation. Situated amidst the district’s eclectic mix of art galleries, luxury fashion houses, and trendy eateries, Istituto Marangoni Miami offers a dynamic learning environment for aspiring fashion professionals. With a prime location in one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods, students at Istituto Marangoni Miami immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of culture and creativity, gaining first-hand exposure to the ever-evolving world of fashion. Our modern facility is equipped with cutting-edge classrooms, studios, and collaborative spaces designed to inspire creativity and foster collaboration. While learning through theory-based classes, students also have the opportunity to practice their knowledge in their respective sections: labs, atelier, or in the photoshoot studio. Our school’s environment allows students to ignite passion, cultivate talent, and to shape their future in fashion.
Connecting Excellence, Diversity, and Success
Connecting Excellence, Diversity, and Success
| 96% | of placement rate for the graduating class of 2022/23 |
| 80+ | collaborations in the fashion and design industry |
| 65% | of our vocational student body is international |
Your new community
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Istituto Marangoni Miami has offered me incredible support and innumerable experiences since the first day I started my Associates’s program in Fashion Styling.
Marangoni has given me access to amazing teachers, industry leaders, great opportunities, and has encouraged me to better my leadership and business skills.
When I step into the Marangoni Miami campus, I walk into the best international craftsmanship and creativity space. I learned and experienced through my teachers and mentors the importance of being the best at my craft and creativity through hard work, passion, fun, and professionalism.
Marangoni has given me support since day one and they have been providing me with real life experiences and this has given me opportunities in the industry. Because of the projects I’ve been involved in during school, I see myself doing bigger projects and growing and helping other people.
Studying at Marangoni was a dream for me, and being able to make it a reality was amazing. I want to study fashion design in college, and this program has helped me realize how I can use my creativity to create very inspiring and cool things.
My experience at Marangoni has given me a completely different outlook towards the international fashion industry.
From the day I stepped into Marangoni Miami, I felt at home. The skills, concepts, and mentorship I gained from Marangoni made it possible for me to win Project Runway 17 in 2019.
Marangoni is one of the best fashion schools in the world, and when they opened their first school in the city where I was living, it was clear that I had to enroll. Fortunately, they had the exact program that I needed, but I would’ve studied anything just to be in this school.
When I decided to study at Marangoni Miami, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do, and the program helped me fine-tune it until I was ready to launch my own swimwear brand.
Our Blog & news
The Poetics of Seating Forms and Sitting Patterns
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Seating forms, as indicated in multiple types of chairs, stools, and benches, are considered historical artifacts manifesting the evolution of styles across time. They significantly reflect the quality of assimilation between cultures achieved through migration of people, colonization of societies and the progressive development of contemporary design thinking and manufacturing processes. In a recent design […]
Is Pantone’s Color of the Year Fashion’s Yearly Horoscope?
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Like a yearly horoscope, but much more factual, Pantone’s Color of the Year sets the tone for the fashion world. Below, we consider how the Pantone choice influences trends and what it may portend for the year ahead. The influence of Pantone’s Color of the Year extends to all forms of design, but I will be covering only fashion, since, what else really matters? (Just kidding). This year’s selected color is Mocha Mousse. A shade of brown reminiscent of chocolate or coffee, these comparisons bring the color a warm and comforting feel to the eye. So what does this say about the upcoming year we will have in fashion?
How AI and Technology are Shaping the Future of Fashion and Beauty
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Changes in the fashion and beauty industries are phenomenal. This is a consequence of the innovations that have arisen due to the growth of artificial intelligence and technology. These new developments in the industry have improved consumer experiences by merging physical and virtual worlds while also offering solutions to some of the chronic issues faced […]
Meet our
Faculty
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Alessandro has 24 years of expertise in developing brand equity and pioneering digital marketing across different cultures, nations, and businesses. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Under Armour, De Pestel led all the marketing aspects of the brand. He served previously as Executive Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Consumer Insights for Tommy Hilfiger Global/PVH Europe, executing global alignment, planning, and strategies to support the company’s product directives and initiatives. De Pestel also worked as International Communications Director for Christian Dior Parfums in France and Vice President of Global Marketing for Omega Watches in Switzerland.
Teaching Areas: International Customer Behavior, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Creating Communicating & Delivery Luxury and Omni-Channel Distribution
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Alessandro De Pestel
Fashion Business Professor
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
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Amy Berkowitz
Fashion Design Program Leader
Anabella Bergero, an internationally acclaimed Latin American fashion designer, artist, and coach, boasts a rich decade-long career. Her journey from Argentina to Copenhagen, London, New York, and Miami has enriched her creative palette with diverse cultural influences. She holds an MFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, pursued postgraduate studies at Central Saint Martins, and completed her undergraduate education at the Universidad de Palermo and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Bergero's expertise lies in the fusion of fashion design and art, emphasizing innovative creative processes that explore gender, culture, and identity. Her career includes recognition as Harper's Bazaar Argentina's Emerging Designer of the Year, SUNY PACC Prize New York, and she recently earned a nomination for the Hispanic Heritage Award by the City of Miami Beach for her contributions to Miami Beach's Hispanic community, particularly for her installation project "Heart of Community" at the Faena Art Project Room.
Teaching Areas: Contemporary Fashion Analysis, Digital Portfolio, History of Art and Visual Culture and Capstone Mentor
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Anabella Bergero
Fashion Design Professor
Andrea is an architect and project manager with over fourteen years of experience in interior design and furnishings, especially in the kitchen and bath area. She works as a training specialist for one of the world’s largest kitchen manufacturers. Andrea received her Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela. She teaches AutoCAD for the Intensive Interior Design Program.
Teaching Areas: Interior Design Fundamentals
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Andrea Fernandez
Interior Design Professor
Bradley teaches students how brands diversify their systems, increase accessibility, and define new audiences. He is an enthusiastic strategist for content interpretation, process integration, and solution implementation, focused on conversions with demand-generated growth. He is a full-stack web developer passionate about inclusive design and scalable web development that meets industry best practices and provides rich, engaging experiences for our students.
Teaching Areas: Digital and Graphic and Web Design, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
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Bradley Cummins
Fashion Business Professor
Cece Feinberg brings over 21 years of experience, from running her full-service boutique PR agency to the Marangoni Miami classroom. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cornell University, she specializes in national consumer media placement, brand building, and event management for clients in the fashion, art, and consumer goods industries.
As the founder of Cece Feinberg PR, she excels in brand and product positioning, global media strategies, fashion show and event media management, editorial trafficking, new product launches, and re-launches of established brands. Her diverse clientele includes fashion brands (swimwear, lingerie, denim, etc.), accessories (shoes, bags, watches, jewelry), toy brands, trade shows, artists, galleries, museums, and retailers.
Teaching Areas: Communication Strategies, Fashion Communication, Social Media Management, and History of Dress and Costume
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Cece Feinberg
Fashion Styling Professor
Dr. Lazo-Flores has been in the creative industry and higher education for over thirty years. She has been a design educator in both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of interior architecture, landscape architecture, furniture design, product and interface design, industrial design, and studio art programs in the US, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines. She has professionally practiced for over ten years, covering luxury residential design, commercial offices, hospitality spaces, trade shows, and military buildings in various parts of the world. She received her Ph.D. in Design Science and Planning from Chiba University, Japan, with a Japanese Ministry of Education scholarship.
Teaching Areas: Research & Concept Development, Design for Sustainability and Interior Graphic Standards
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Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores
Dean of Interior Design
Edson Smitter is a photographer and cinematographer with 15 years of experience in the field. His passion for visual storytelling and an unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after talent in the industry. With more than ten years dedicated to advertising photography and videography, Edson has become a master at capturing compelling images for various brands. His expertise spans multiple genres, including product photography, fashion photography, and advertising. A significant turning point in his career occurred when he relocated to Miami eight years ago. This move marked a transformative period where Edson’s skills flourished, and began collaborating with renowned artists and major brands. His Miami journey propelled his career to new heights, expanding his portfolio to encompass photography and videography.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Photography, Videography, Advertising
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Edson Smitter
Fashion Styling Professor
With degrees in Architecture & Historic Preservation from Tulane University in New Orleans, Elizabeth Glenn has worked as an industry professional in South Florida since 1999, specializing in high-end residential and luxury hospitality projects and mixed-use, commercial, and medical facilities. Since 2008, she began teaching at the collegiate level in several local schools. Elizabeth has over 60 different courses developed and taught within the creative fields of interior design, architecture, and industrial design. Ms. Glenn is a Steven L. Cohen and Associates Project Manager in Boca Raton. My other major interests include design history, furniture design, and origami.
Teaching Areas: Interior Graphic Standards and Applications and Sensory and Experience Design
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Elizabeth Glen
Interior Design Professor
Eyan is a seasoned fashion Creative Director, boasting extensive expertise and a stellar track record in men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories. He has helmed large creative teams worldwide as Creative Director/SVP of Design for Hugo Boss men's and womenswear, Nike women's, and Puma international. With over 25 years of experience, Eyan gives students a global perspective on visionary trends and contemporary fashion, offering guidance to channel and focus on their creative aspirations. He holds a Master of Art in Fashion Menswear from the Royal College of Art in London and a Bachelor of Art in Fashion and Textiles from the University of Central Lancashire, UK.
Teaching Areas: Creative Direction, Fashion Design, Luxury Innovation Fashion and Product Development
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Eyan Allen
Graduate Program Leader
A professional lighting designer with a broad design practice in Chicago with dbHMS, New York with G2J Design, and Miami with ISP Design, all with multiple interior spaces. At ISP Design, he was on the team designing various Apple flagship store designs for national and international branches. Currently, he is a design consultant and teaches lighting courses at multiple institutions in Miami. Gustavo holds an MA in Lighting Design from Parsons New School of Design and a BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Teaching Areas: Lighting Design
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Gustavo Gil
Interior Design Professor
Inés Sabalza brings over two decades of multifaceted experience in the fashion industry, predominantly from NYC, focusing on sales, distribution, and business operations. She has collaborated with various entrepreneurs throughout her prominent career, effortlessly navigating startup terrains and structured corporate landscapes. A foundation in technology from her educational pursuits has always underpinned Inés’s work, offering her unique perspectives in an industry constantly reshaped by digital advancements. In 2019, Inés transitioned to Miami, channeling her industry insights to educate emerging fashion enthusiasts at Istituto Marangoni. As an esteemed Professor, she leads courses in business and marketing tailored for the ever-evolving world of fashion, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between fashion and technology. Her curriculum underscores real-world interactions, ensuring students grasp theoretical concepts and their tangible applications in today’s tech-driven fashion landscape. Recognizing that technology will continue to reshape the fashion world at an even more rapid pace, Inés consistently advocates for the fusion of fashion with the latest tech trends, striving to shape the next generation of industry leaders who are both fashion-forward and tech-savvy.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Fashion, Fashion Marketing and Fashion Branding
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Ines Sabalza
Fashion Business Professor
Jorge Andres Castillo is a photographer, curator, and editor originally from Caracas, Venezuela. He has been teaching Fashion Photography at Istituto Marangoni Miami since 2018. Jorge has worked as a photo editor and curator for companies such as Fundación Empresas Polar Caracas, Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM), and Arts Connections Foundation in Miami. His experience includes his Master’s degree in Communication Design from the University of Essen, Germany, and 20 years of experience with photography. He is now the owner and director of Jacvisual LLC, where he helps brands create their visual communication.
Teaching Areas: Photography- Editing and Retouching and Lifestyle Photography
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Jorge Castillo
Fashion Styling Professor
Juanita Crary is an experienced fashion stylist and journalist skilled in photography production, advertising, writing, and PR graduated from Universidad de Los Andes. Her Colombian background provides international experience to students, adding to her importance at Istituto Marangoni Miami. As an influential and accomplished arts and creative professional, Juanita has had a history of working in the entertainment industry with top names such as Rolling Stones Magazine, Avessa Magazine, Anthropologie, Caracol TV, and with artists like Maluma and others.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Styling I, Visual Research, Trend Forecasting and Editorial Creative Direction
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Juanita Crary
Fashion Styling Professor
Karla was born in Mexico City, where she lived until she was ten. Later, she moved to Milan, Italy, with her mother, an opera singer at the time. In Milan, particularly while gazing at the shop windows along Via Monte Napoleone, her love for fashion began to blossom. Later, her mother transitioned into acting, and they relocated to Los Angeles, where Karla discovered the allure of Hollywood. Drawing from these formative experiences, Karla merged her passion for fashion and celebrity culture, becoming a highly skilled celebrity stylist.
Karla's educational journey in fashion began at Istituto Degli Abiti in Mexico City, followed by advanced studies at Central Saint Martins in London, where she specialized in Fashion Styling, Fashion Design, and Art Direction. She also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Concurrently, Karla began experimenting with styling by revamping the wardrobes of her musician friends, a practice that soon solidified her career path. Over the next 25 years, Karla established herself as one of the most successful celebrity stylists in Mexico and beyond. She has styled renowned figures such as Thalia, Paulina Rubio, and even the former First Lady of Mexico. Now residing in Miami with her husband and two daughters, Karla shares her expertise as a professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami.
Teaching Areas: Business of Styling and Fashion Styling 4
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Karla Guindi
Fashion Styling Program Leader
Ms. Mariam Elias is an educator, designer, and writer. In the last five years, she has served in various academic institutions locally and internationally, such as Florida International University, Istituto Marangoni Miami, Miami International University of Art and Design in Miami, and Coventry University in Cairo, Egypt. She has taught in graduate programs such as the MA in Design & Media Management and MFA in Visual Arts. She has also covered courses in disciplines such as Advertising, Graphic Design, and Interior Design.
Teaching Areas: History of Art, Design and Visual Culture
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Mariam Elias
Interior Design Professor
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy.
He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher.
Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School.
Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection
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Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Michelle is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with over 11 years of broad-based experience in higher education – excelling in various teaching methods to encourage creativity and higher-order thinking among students. On top of her expertise in increasing student performance, syllabus development, and course planning, she has diverse and extensive experience in fashion education, branding, graphic design, and business. She has served in senior design management positions in the fashion and beauty industries. Her lesson planning and class organization expertise extends to her teaching of Business in Interior Design and Business of Luxury. She holds an MBA from Florida International University and a BA in Marketing from Barry University.
Teaching Areas: Business of Interior Design
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Michelle Pitter
Interior Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
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Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor
Nathalie Tessier's journey in the fashion world began with studying fashion design in Paris, where she initially found her passion. However, as she delved deeper into the industry, she realized her true calling lay in the business side of fashion. She embarked on a remarkable career path upon graduation, joining the esteemed brand Celio.
At Celio, Nathalie assumed the director role, overseeing various crucial aspects such as designing and managing international market collections, product distribution, and spearheading marketing campaigns. Her responsibilities included pioneering new store concept prototypes and demonstrating her multifaceted expertise in shaping the brand's identity and market presence.
Nathalie's tenure in Paris enriched her professional journey as she collaborated with renowned brands like Celio Sport, Dooble, and Sud Express, further deepening her understanding of the intricacies of the fashion business world. Today, Nathalie brings her wealth of experience and insights to her role as the program leader for the Fashion Business program at IMM, where she guides and inspires aspiring professionals to navigate and excel in the dynamic realm of fashion business.
Teaching Areas: Trend Forecasting, Fashion Marketing: Principles and Practices, Production 360 and Fashion Entrepreneurship-Thesis
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Nathalie Tessier
Fashion Business Program Leader
After graduating from Texas A&M University with an architecture degree, Mr. Sukphisit held positions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) / CAD manager, project manager, on-site BIM trainer, and college-level Revit and AutoCAD software instructor. Mr. Sukphisit is a Revit Certified Professional. His interests have been in new skills development (including BIM implementations, COBie deliverables, and laser scanning) and bringing those skills to his current position as Project Manager for Broward County and Adjunct Faculty at Istituto Marangoni Miami. Over his 20 years of architecture, engineering, and construction experience, Mr. Sukphisit has prepared many contract deliverables, which he strongly shares with students in his coursework.
Teaching Areas: Sensory and Experience Design
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Peck Sukphisit
Interior Design Professor
Ricardo Garcia is a talented graphic designer with an MA in Design and Media Management from Miami International University of Art and Design. His design expertise is multidisciplinary, and he excellently provides layout and design direction in diverse projects. He has worked on end-to-end brand creative, brand systems, social-digital experiences, brand campaigns, launches, and events for high-tech and digital brands.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Digital Design and Intermediate Digital Design
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Ricardo Garcia
Interior Design Professor
Roxana Frontini teaches our students how to excel at managing marketing projects and teams, integrating strategies, and implementing complex initiatives for success. She incorporates her robust problem-solving abilities and entrepreneurial mindset into all her teaching and projects. Roxana is a proactive leader with extensive experience in fostering the growth of global companies in the media, fashion, music, and creative sectors. Possessing Master’s Degrees in Technology and Business Management and a double major in Law and Business, Roxana holds expertise in utilizing data-driven and highly creative marketing through technology and innovation to drive purposeful profitability and business expansion.
Teaching Areas: Ethics, Branding, Marketing & Communications
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Roxana Frontini
Fashion Business Professor
Sarah Watson-Baik, a dynamic creative and educator from California, holds Fine Art and Commercial Photography degrees. She's an art, design, fashion, Korean culture, wellness, and sustainability expert. With a background in journalism, she covered the Britpop era and Japanese Harajuku fashion. She continued her education in London at Central St. Martins College and Goldsmiths College. With over a decade in Seoul, South Korea, she's a respected teacher, fashion stylist, professor, and social media influencer. Now based in Miami, she's a Professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami, passionately advocating for Korean and Southeast Asian fashion and culture.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Campaign & Photography, Fashion Styling 2 and 3
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Sarah Watson-Baik
Fashion Styling Professor
Sofía Agostini is an independent fashion journalist and an adjunct faculty professor at the Istituto Marangoni of Miami. She teaches Research Methods at the Master's level and Fashion Criticism & Digital Writing in the Introduction to Styling progressive course. She was part of the first cohort of Master's students to graduate from the school and is an active member of the Marangoni Miami community.
Her dissertation, Where Have All the Tailors Gone?, was published in the fall 2021 issue of Fashion Studies Journal.
Particularly interested in the history and growth of Latin American Fashion, Agostini has contributed several entries to the encyclopedia 'Raíces de la Moda' of Vogue México and written profiles on upcoming regional designers. She also collaborates for publications like Vanity Fair Spain and DNA Magazine.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Writing and Research Methods
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Sofia Agostini
Fashion Business Professor
Victor Uphaus is a former retail executive who worked as a Store Manager and District Training manager for well-known American retail companies, such as Kids R Us, The Children's Place, GAP, JLindeberg, and Brooks Brothers. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge has enabled him to teach management, marketing, and other business courses at colleges and universities since 1997. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan and two Master's Degrees from St. Thomas University, one in Management and the other in Business Administration.
Teaching Areas: Finance and Strategic Retail Management
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Victor Uphaus
Fashion Business Professor
Meet our
Faculty
All faculty
Alessandro has 24 years of expertise in developing brand equity and pioneering digital marketing across different cultures, nations, and businesses. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Under Armour, De Pestel led all the marketing aspects of the brand. He served previously as Executive Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Consumer Insights for Tommy Hilfiger Global/PVH Europe, executing global alignment, planning, and strategies to support the company’s product directives and initiatives. De Pestel also worked as International Communications Director for Christian Dior Parfums in France and Vice President of Global Marketing for Omega Watches in Switzerland.
Teaching Areas: International Customer Behavior, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Creating Communicating & Delivery Luxury and Omni-Channel Distribution
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Alessandro De Pestel
Fashion Business Professor
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
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Amy Berkowitz
Fashion Design Program Leader
Anabella Bergero, an internationally acclaimed Latin American fashion designer, artist, and coach, boasts a rich decade-long career. Her journey from Argentina to Copenhagen, London, New York, and Miami has enriched her creative palette with diverse cultural influences. She holds an MFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, pursued postgraduate studies at Central Saint Martins, and completed her undergraduate education at the Universidad de Palermo and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Bergero's expertise lies in the fusion of fashion design and art, emphasizing innovative creative processes that explore gender, culture, and identity. Her career includes recognition as Harper's Bazaar Argentina's Emerging Designer of the Year, SUNY PACC Prize New York, and she recently earned a nomination for the Hispanic Heritage Award by the City of Miami Beach for her contributions to Miami Beach's Hispanic community, particularly for her installation project "Heart of Community" at the Faena Art Project Room.
Teaching Areas: Contemporary Fashion Analysis, Digital Portfolio, History of Art and Visual Culture and Capstone Mentor
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Anabella Bergero
Fashion Design Professor
Andrea is an architect and project manager with over fourteen years of experience in interior design and furnishings, especially in the kitchen and bath area. She works as a training specialist for one of the world’s largest kitchen manufacturers. Andrea received her Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela. She teaches AutoCAD for the Intensive Interior Design Program.
Teaching Areas: Interior Design Fundamentals
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Andrea Fernandez
Interior Design Professor
Bradley teaches students how brands diversify their systems, increase accessibility, and define new audiences. He is an enthusiastic strategist for content interpretation, process integration, and solution implementation, focused on conversions with demand-generated growth. He is a full-stack web developer passionate about inclusive design and scalable web development that meets industry best practices and provides rich, engaging experiences for our students.
Teaching Areas: Digital and Graphic and Web Design, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
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Bradley Cummins
Fashion Business Professor
Cece Feinberg brings over 21 years of experience, from running her full-service boutique PR agency to the Marangoni Miami classroom. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cornell University, she specializes in national consumer media placement, brand building, and event management for clients in the fashion, art, and consumer goods industries.
As the founder of Cece Feinberg PR, she excels in brand and product positioning, global media strategies, fashion show and event media management, editorial trafficking, new product launches, and re-launches of established brands. Her diverse clientele includes fashion brands (swimwear, lingerie, denim, etc.), accessories (shoes, bags, watches, jewelry), toy brands, trade shows, artists, galleries, museums, and retailers.
Teaching Areas: Communication Strategies, Fashion Communication, Social Media Management, and History of Dress and Costume
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Cece Feinberg
Fashion Styling Professor
Dr. Lazo-Flores has been in the creative industry and higher education for over thirty years. She has been a design educator in both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of interior architecture, landscape architecture, furniture design, product and interface design, industrial design, and studio art programs in the US, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines. She has professionally practiced for over ten years, covering luxury residential design, commercial offices, hospitality spaces, trade shows, and military buildings in various parts of the world. She received her Ph.D. in Design Science and Planning from Chiba University, Japan, with a Japanese Ministry of Education scholarship.
Teaching Areas: Research & Concept Development, Design for Sustainability and Interior Graphic Standards
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Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores
Dean of Interior Design
Edson Smitter is a photographer and cinematographer with 15 years of experience in the field. His passion for visual storytelling and an unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after talent in the industry. With more than ten years dedicated to advertising photography and videography, Edson has become a master at capturing compelling images for various brands. His expertise spans multiple genres, including product photography, fashion photography, and advertising. A significant turning point in his career occurred when he relocated to Miami eight years ago. This move marked a transformative period where Edson’s skills flourished, and began collaborating with renowned artists and major brands. His Miami journey propelled his career to new heights, expanding his portfolio to encompass photography and videography.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Photography, Videography, Advertising
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Edson Smitter
Fashion Styling Professor
With degrees in Architecture & Historic Preservation from Tulane University in New Orleans, Elizabeth Glenn has worked as an industry professional in South Florida since 1999, specializing in high-end residential and luxury hospitality projects and mixed-use, commercial, and medical facilities. Since 2008, she began teaching at the collegiate level in several local schools. Elizabeth has over 60 different courses developed and taught within the creative fields of interior design, architecture, and industrial design. Ms. Glenn is a Steven L. Cohen and Associates Project Manager in Boca Raton. My other major interests include design history, furniture design, and origami.
Teaching Areas: Interior Graphic Standards and Applications and Sensory and Experience Design
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Elizabeth Glen
Interior Design Professor
Eyan is a seasoned fashion Creative Director, boasting extensive expertise and a stellar track record in men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories. He has helmed large creative teams worldwide as Creative Director/SVP of Design for Hugo Boss men's and womenswear, Nike women's, and Puma international. With over 25 years of experience, Eyan gives students a global perspective on visionary trends and contemporary fashion, offering guidance to channel and focus on their creative aspirations. He holds a Master of Art in Fashion Menswear from the Royal College of Art in London and a Bachelor of Art in Fashion and Textiles from the University of Central Lancashire, UK.
Teaching Areas: Creative Direction, Fashion Design, Luxury Innovation Fashion and Product Development
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Eyan Allen
Graduate Program Leader
A professional lighting designer with a broad design practice in Chicago with dbHMS, New York with G2J Design, and Miami with ISP Design, all with multiple interior spaces. At ISP Design, he was on the team designing various Apple flagship store designs for national and international branches. Currently, he is a design consultant and teaches lighting courses at multiple institutions in Miami. Gustavo holds an MA in Lighting Design from Parsons New School of Design and a BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Teaching Areas: Lighting Design
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Gustavo Gil
Interior Design Professor
Inés Sabalza brings over two decades of multifaceted experience in the fashion industry, predominantly from NYC, focusing on sales, distribution, and business operations. She has collaborated with various entrepreneurs throughout her prominent career, effortlessly navigating startup terrains and structured corporate landscapes. A foundation in technology from her educational pursuits has always underpinned Inés’s work, offering her unique perspectives in an industry constantly reshaped by digital advancements. In 2019, Inés transitioned to Miami, channeling her industry insights to educate emerging fashion enthusiasts at Istituto Marangoni. As an esteemed Professor, she leads courses in business and marketing tailored for the ever-evolving world of fashion, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between fashion and technology. Her curriculum underscores real-world interactions, ensuring students grasp theoretical concepts and their tangible applications in today’s tech-driven fashion landscape. Recognizing that technology will continue to reshape the fashion world at an even more rapid pace, Inés consistently advocates for the fusion of fashion with the latest tech trends, striving to shape the next generation of industry leaders who are both fashion-forward and tech-savvy.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Fashion, Fashion Marketing and Fashion Branding
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Ines Sabalza
Fashion Business Professor
Jorge Andres Castillo is a photographer, curator, and editor originally from Caracas, Venezuela. He has been teaching Fashion Photography at Istituto Marangoni Miami since 2018. Jorge has worked as a photo editor and curator for companies such as Fundación Empresas Polar Caracas, Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM), and Arts Connections Foundation in Miami. His experience includes his Master’s degree in Communication Design from the University of Essen, Germany, and 20 years of experience with photography. He is now the owner and director of Jacvisual LLC, where he helps brands create their visual communication.
Teaching Areas: Photography- Editing and Retouching and Lifestyle Photography
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Jorge Castillo
Fashion Styling Professor
Juanita Crary is an experienced fashion stylist and journalist skilled in photography production, advertising, writing, and PR graduated from Universidad de Los Andes. Her Colombian background provides international experience to students, adding to her importance at Istituto Marangoni Miami. As an influential and accomplished arts and creative professional, Juanita has had a history of working in the entertainment industry with top names such as Rolling Stones Magazine, Avessa Magazine, Anthropologie, Caracol TV, and with artists like Maluma and others.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Styling I, Visual Research, Trend Forecasting and Editorial Creative Direction
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Juanita Crary
Fashion Styling Professor
Karla was born in Mexico City, where she lived until she was ten. Later, she moved to Milan, Italy, with her mother, an opera singer at the time. In Milan, particularly while gazing at the shop windows along Via Monte Napoleone, her love for fashion began to blossom. Later, her mother transitioned into acting, and they relocated to Los Angeles, where Karla discovered the allure of Hollywood. Drawing from these formative experiences, Karla merged her passion for fashion and celebrity culture, becoming a highly skilled celebrity stylist.
Karla's educational journey in fashion began at Istituto Degli Abiti in Mexico City, followed by advanced studies at Central Saint Martins in London, where she specialized in Fashion Styling, Fashion Design, and Art Direction. She also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Concurrently, Karla began experimenting with styling by revamping the wardrobes of her musician friends, a practice that soon solidified her career path. Over the next 25 years, Karla established herself as one of the most successful celebrity stylists in Mexico and beyond. She has styled renowned figures such as Thalia, Paulina Rubio, and even the former First Lady of Mexico. Now residing in Miami with her husband and two daughters, Karla shares her expertise as a professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami.
Teaching Areas: Business of Styling and Fashion Styling 4
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Karla Guindi
Fashion Styling Program Leader
Ms. Mariam Elias is an educator, designer, and writer. In the last five years, she has served in various academic institutions locally and internationally, such as Florida International University, Istituto Marangoni Miami, Miami International University of Art and Design in Miami, and Coventry University in Cairo, Egypt. She has taught in graduate programs such as the MA in Design & Media Management and MFA in Visual Arts. She has also covered courses in disciplines such as Advertising, Graphic Design, and Interior Design.
Teaching Areas: History of Art, Design and Visual Culture
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Mariam Elias
Interior Design Professor
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy.
He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher.
Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School.
Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection
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Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Michelle is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with over 11 years of broad-based experience in higher education – excelling in various teaching methods to encourage creativity and higher-order thinking among students. On top of her expertise in increasing student performance, syllabus development, and course planning, she has diverse and extensive experience in fashion education, branding, graphic design, and business. She has served in senior design management positions in the fashion and beauty industries. Her lesson planning and class organization expertise extends to her teaching of Business in Interior Design and Business of Luxury. She holds an MBA from Florida International University and a BA in Marketing from Barry University.
Teaching Areas: Business of Interior Design
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Michelle Pitter
Interior Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
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Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor
Nathalie Tessier's journey in the fashion world began with studying fashion design in Paris, where she initially found her passion. However, as she delved deeper into the industry, she realized her true calling lay in the business side of fashion. She embarked on a remarkable career path upon graduation, joining the esteemed brand Celio.
At Celio, Nathalie assumed the director role, overseeing various crucial aspects such as designing and managing international market collections, product distribution, and spearheading marketing campaigns. Her responsibilities included pioneering new store concept prototypes and demonstrating her multifaceted expertise in shaping the brand's identity and market presence.
Nathalie's tenure in Paris enriched her professional journey as she collaborated with renowned brands like Celio Sport, Dooble, and Sud Express, further deepening her understanding of the intricacies of the fashion business world. Today, Nathalie brings her wealth of experience and insights to her role as the program leader for the Fashion Business program at IMM, where she guides and inspires aspiring professionals to navigate and excel in the dynamic realm of fashion business.
Teaching Areas: Trend Forecasting, Fashion Marketing: Principles and Practices, Production 360 and Fashion Entrepreneurship-Thesis
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Nathalie Tessier
Fashion Business Program Leader
After graduating from Texas A&M University with an architecture degree, Mr. Sukphisit held positions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) / CAD manager, project manager, on-site BIM trainer, and college-level Revit and AutoCAD software instructor. Mr. Sukphisit is a Revit Certified Professional. His interests have been in new skills development (including BIM implementations, COBie deliverables, and laser scanning) and bringing those skills to his current position as Project Manager for Broward County and Adjunct Faculty at Istituto Marangoni Miami. Over his 20 years of architecture, engineering, and construction experience, Mr. Sukphisit has prepared many contract deliverables, which he strongly shares with students in his coursework.
Teaching Areas: Sensory and Experience Design
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Peck Sukphisit
Interior Design Professor
Ricardo Garcia is a talented graphic designer with an MA in Design and Media Management from Miami International University of Art and Design. His design expertise is multidisciplinary, and he excellently provides layout and design direction in diverse projects. He has worked on end-to-end brand creative, brand systems, social-digital experiences, brand campaigns, launches, and events for high-tech and digital brands.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Digital Design and Intermediate Digital Design
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Ricardo Garcia
Interior Design Professor
Roxana Frontini teaches our students how to excel at managing marketing projects and teams, integrating strategies, and implementing complex initiatives for success. She incorporates her robust problem-solving abilities and entrepreneurial mindset into all her teaching and projects. Roxana is a proactive leader with extensive experience in fostering the growth of global companies in the media, fashion, music, and creative sectors. Possessing Master’s Degrees in Technology and Business Management and a double major in Law and Business, Roxana holds expertise in utilizing data-driven and highly creative marketing through technology and innovation to drive purposeful profitability and business expansion.
Teaching Areas: Ethics, Branding, Marketing & Communications
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Roxana Frontini
Fashion Business Professor
Sarah Watson-Baik, a dynamic creative and educator from California, holds Fine Art and Commercial Photography degrees. She's an art, design, fashion, Korean culture, wellness, and sustainability expert. With a background in journalism, she covered the Britpop era and Japanese Harajuku fashion. She continued her education in London at Central St. Martins College and Goldsmiths College. With over a decade in Seoul, South Korea, she's a respected teacher, fashion stylist, professor, and social media influencer. Now based in Miami, she's a Professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami, passionately advocating for Korean and Southeast Asian fashion and culture.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Campaign & Photography, Fashion Styling 2 and 3
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Sarah Watson-Baik
Fashion Styling Professor
Sofía Agostini is an independent fashion journalist and an adjunct faculty professor at the Istituto Marangoni of Miami. She teaches Research Methods at the Master's level and Fashion Criticism & Digital Writing in the Introduction to Styling progressive course. She was part of the first cohort of Master's students to graduate from the school and is an active member of the Marangoni Miami community.
Her dissertation, Where Have All the Tailors Gone?, was published in the fall 2021 issue of Fashion Studies Journal.
Particularly interested in the history and growth of Latin American Fashion, Agostini has contributed several entries to the encyclopedia 'Raíces de la Moda' of Vogue México and written profiles on upcoming regional designers. She also collaborates for publications like Vanity Fair Spain and DNA Magazine.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Writing and Research Methods
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Sofia Agostini
Fashion Business Professor
Victor Uphaus is a former retail executive who worked as a Store Manager and District Training manager for well-known American retail companies, such as Kids R Us, The Children's Place, GAP, JLindeberg, and Brooks Brothers. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge has enabled him to teach management, marketing, and other business courses at colleges and universities since 1997. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan and two Master's Degrees from St. Thomas University, one in Management and the other in Business Administration.
Teaching Areas: Finance and Strategic Retail Management
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Victor Uphaus
Fashion Business Professor
Meet our
Faculty
All faculty
Alessandro has 24 years of expertise in developing brand equity and pioneering digital marketing across different cultures, nations, and businesses. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Under Armour, De Pestel led all the marketing aspects of the brand. He served previously as Executive Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Consumer Insights for Tommy Hilfiger Global/PVH Europe, executing global alignment, planning, and strategies to support the company’s product directives and initiatives. De Pestel also worked as International Communications Director for Christian Dior Parfums in France and Vice President of Global Marketing for Omega Watches in Switzerland.
Teaching Areas: International Customer Behavior, Fashion Entrepreneurs, Creating Communicating & Delivery Luxury and Omni-Channel Distribution
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Alessandro De Pestel
Fashion Business Professor
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
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Amy Berkowitz
Fashion Design Program Leader
Anabella Bergero, an internationally acclaimed Latin American fashion designer, artist, and coach, boasts a rich decade-long career. Her journey from Argentina to Copenhagen, London, New York, and Miami has enriched her creative palette with diverse cultural influences. She holds an MFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology, pursued postgraduate studies at Central Saint Martins, and completed her undergraduate education at the Universidad de Palermo and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. Bergero's expertise lies in the fusion of fashion design and art, emphasizing innovative creative processes that explore gender, culture, and identity. Her career includes recognition as Harper's Bazaar Argentina's Emerging Designer of the Year, SUNY PACC Prize New York, and she recently earned a nomination for the Hispanic Heritage Award by the City of Miami Beach for her contributions to Miami Beach's Hispanic community, particularly for her installation project "Heart of Community" at the Faena Art Project Room.
Teaching Areas: Contemporary Fashion Analysis, Digital Portfolio, History of Art and Visual Culture and Capstone Mentor
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Anabella Bergero
Fashion Design Professor
Andrea is an architect and project manager with over fourteen years of experience in interior design and furnishings, especially in the kitchen and bath area. She works as a training specialist for one of the world’s largest kitchen manufacturers. Andrea received her Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta in Venezuela. She teaches AutoCAD for the Intensive Interior Design Program.
Teaching Areas: Interior Design Fundamentals
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Andrea Fernandez
Interior Design Professor
Bradley teaches students how brands diversify their systems, increase accessibility, and define new audiences. He is an enthusiastic strategist for content interpretation, process integration, and solution implementation, focused on conversions with demand-generated growth. He is a full-stack web developer passionate about inclusive design and scalable web development that meets industry best practices and provides rich, engaging experiences for our students.
Teaching Areas: Digital and Graphic and Web Design, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
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Bradley Cummins
Fashion Business Professor
Cece Feinberg brings over 21 years of experience, from running her full-service boutique PR agency to the Marangoni Miami classroom. With a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cornell University, she specializes in national consumer media placement, brand building, and event management for clients in the fashion, art, and consumer goods industries.
As the founder of Cece Feinberg PR, she excels in brand and product positioning, global media strategies, fashion show and event media management, editorial trafficking, new product launches, and re-launches of established brands. Her diverse clientele includes fashion brands (swimwear, lingerie, denim, etc.), accessories (shoes, bags, watches, jewelry), toy brands, trade shows, artists, galleries, museums, and retailers.
Teaching Areas: Communication Strategies, Fashion Communication, Social Media Management, and History of Dress and Costume
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Cece Feinberg
Fashion Styling Professor
Dr. Lazo-Flores has been in the creative industry and higher education for over thirty years. She has been a design educator in both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of interior architecture, landscape architecture, furniture design, product and interface design, industrial design, and studio art programs in the US, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines. She has professionally practiced for over ten years, covering luxury residential design, commercial offices, hospitality spaces, trade shows, and military buildings in various parts of the world. She received her Ph.D. in Design Science and Planning from Chiba University, Japan, with a Japanese Ministry of Education scholarship.
Teaching Areas: Research & Concept Development, Design for Sustainability and Interior Graphic Standards
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Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores
Dean of Interior Design
Edson Smitter is a photographer and cinematographer with 15 years of experience in the field. His passion for visual storytelling and an unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after talent in the industry. With more than ten years dedicated to advertising photography and videography, Edson has become a master at capturing compelling images for various brands. His expertise spans multiple genres, including product photography, fashion photography, and advertising. A significant turning point in his career occurred when he relocated to Miami eight years ago. This move marked a transformative period where Edson’s skills flourished, and began collaborating with renowned artists and major brands. His Miami journey propelled his career to new heights, expanding his portfolio to encompass photography and videography.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Photography, Videography, Advertising
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Edson Smitter
Fashion Styling Professor
With degrees in Architecture & Historic Preservation from Tulane University in New Orleans, Elizabeth Glenn has worked as an industry professional in South Florida since 1999, specializing in high-end residential and luxury hospitality projects and mixed-use, commercial, and medical facilities. Since 2008, she began teaching at the collegiate level in several local schools. Elizabeth has over 60 different courses developed and taught within the creative fields of interior design, architecture, and industrial design. Ms. Glenn is a Steven L. Cohen and Associates Project Manager in Boca Raton. My other major interests include design history, furniture design, and origami.
Teaching Areas: Interior Graphic Standards and Applications and Sensory and Experience Design
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Elizabeth Glen
Interior Design Professor
Eyan is a seasoned fashion Creative Director, boasting extensive expertise and a stellar track record in men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories. He has helmed large creative teams worldwide as Creative Director/SVP of Design for Hugo Boss men's and womenswear, Nike women's, and Puma international. With over 25 years of experience, Eyan gives students a global perspective on visionary trends and contemporary fashion, offering guidance to channel and focus on their creative aspirations. He holds a Master of Art in Fashion Menswear from the Royal College of Art in London and a Bachelor of Art in Fashion and Textiles from the University of Central Lancashire, UK.
Teaching Areas: Creative Direction, Fashion Design, Luxury Innovation Fashion and Product Development
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Eyan Allen
Graduate Program Leader
A professional lighting designer with a broad design practice in Chicago with dbHMS, New York with G2J Design, and Miami with ISP Design, all with multiple interior spaces. At ISP Design, he was on the team designing various Apple flagship store designs for national and international branches. Currently, he is a design consultant and teaches lighting courses at multiple institutions in Miami. Gustavo holds an MA in Lighting Design from Parsons New School of Design and a BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Teaching Areas: Lighting Design
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Gustavo Gil
Interior Design Professor
Inés Sabalza brings over two decades of multifaceted experience in the fashion industry, predominantly from NYC, focusing on sales, distribution, and business operations. She has collaborated with various entrepreneurs throughout her prominent career, effortlessly navigating startup terrains and structured corporate landscapes. A foundation in technology from her educational pursuits has always underpinned Inés’s work, offering her unique perspectives in an industry constantly reshaped by digital advancements. In 2019, Inés transitioned to Miami, channeling her industry insights to educate emerging fashion enthusiasts at Istituto Marangoni. As an esteemed Professor, she leads courses in business and marketing tailored for the ever-evolving world of fashion, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between fashion and technology. Her curriculum underscores real-world interactions, ensuring students grasp theoretical concepts and their tangible applications in today’s tech-driven fashion landscape. Recognizing that technology will continue to reshape the fashion world at an even more rapid pace, Inés consistently advocates for the fusion of fashion with the latest tech trends, striving to shape the next generation of industry leaders who are both fashion-forward and tech-savvy.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Fashion, Fashion Marketing and Fashion Branding
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Ines Sabalza
Fashion Business Professor
Jorge Andres Castillo is a photographer, curator, and editor originally from Caracas, Venezuela. He has been teaching Fashion Photography at Istituto Marangoni Miami since 2018. Jorge has worked as a photo editor and curator for companies such as Fundación Empresas Polar Caracas, Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM), and Arts Connections Foundation in Miami. His experience includes his Master’s degree in Communication Design from the University of Essen, Germany, and 20 years of experience with photography. He is now the owner and director of Jacvisual LLC, where he helps brands create their visual communication.
Teaching Areas: Photography- Editing and Retouching and Lifestyle Photography
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Jorge Castillo
Fashion Styling Professor
Juanita Crary is an experienced fashion stylist and journalist skilled in photography production, advertising, writing, and PR graduated from Universidad de Los Andes. Her Colombian background provides international experience to students, adding to her importance at Istituto Marangoni Miami. As an influential and accomplished arts and creative professional, Juanita has had a history of working in the entertainment industry with top names such as Rolling Stones Magazine, Avessa Magazine, Anthropologie, Caracol TV, and with artists like Maluma and others.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Styling I, Visual Research, Trend Forecasting and Editorial Creative Direction
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Juanita Crary
Fashion Styling Professor
Karla was born in Mexico City, where she lived until she was ten. Later, she moved to Milan, Italy, with her mother, an opera singer at the time. In Milan, particularly while gazing at the shop windows along Via Monte Napoleone, her love for fashion began to blossom. Later, her mother transitioned into acting, and they relocated to Los Angeles, where Karla discovered the allure of Hollywood. Drawing from these formative experiences, Karla merged her passion for fashion and celebrity culture, becoming a highly skilled celebrity stylist.
Karla's educational journey in fashion began at Istituto Degli Abiti in Mexico City, followed by advanced studies at Central Saint Martins in London, where she specialized in Fashion Styling, Fashion Design, and Art Direction. She also attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
Concurrently, Karla began experimenting with styling by revamping the wardrobes of her musician friends, a practice that soon solidified her career path. Over the next 25 years, Karla established herself as one of the most successful celebrity stylists in Mexico and beyond. She has styled renowned figures such as Thalia, Paulina Rubio, and even the former First Lady of Mexico. Now residing in Miami with her husband and two daughters, Karla shares her expertise as a professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami.
Teaching Areas: Business of Styling and Fashion Styling 4
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Karla Guindi
Fashion Styling Program Leader
Ms. Mariam Elias is an educator, designer, and writer. In the last five years, she has served in various academic institutions locally and internationally, such as Florida International University, Istituto Marangoni Miami, Miami International University of Art and Design in Miami, and Coventry University in Cairo, Egypt. She has taught in graduate programs such as the MA in Design & Media Management and MFA in Visual Arts. She has also covered courses in disciplines such as Advertising, Graphic Design, and Interior Design.
Teaching Areas: History of Art, Design and Visual Culture
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Mariam Elias
Interior Design Professor
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy.
He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher.
Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School.
Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection
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Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Michelle is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with over 11 years of broad-based experience in higher education – excelling in various teaching methods to encourage creativity and higher-order thinking among students. On top of her expertise in increasing student performance, syllabus development, and course planning, she has diverse and extensive experience in fashion education, branding, graphic design, and business. She has served in senior design management positions in the fashion and beauty industries. Her lesson planning and class organization expertise extends to her teaching of Business in Interior Design and Business of Luxury. She holds an MBA from Florida International University and a BA in Marketing from Barry University.
Teaching Areas: Business of Interior Design
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Michelle Pitter
Interior Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
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Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor
Nathalie Tessier's journey in the fashion world began with studying fashion design in Paris, where she initially found her passion. However, as she delved deeper into the industry, she realized her true calling lay in the business side of fashion. She embarked on a remarkable career path upon graduation, joining the esteemed brand Celio.
At Celio, Nathalie assumed the director role, overseeing various crucial aspects such as designing and managing international market collections, product distribution, and spearheading marketing campaigns. Her responsibilities included pioneering new store concept prototypes and demonstrating her multifaceted expertise in shaping the brand's identity and market presence.
Nathalie's tenure in Paris enriched her professional journey as she collaborated with renowned brands like Celio Sport, Dooble, and Sud Express, further deepening her understanding of the intricacies of the fashion business world. Today, Nathalie brings her wealth of experience and insights to her role as the program leader for the Fashion Business program at IMM, where she guides and inspires aspiring professionals to navigate and excel in the dynamic realm of fashion business.
Teaching Areas: Trend Forecasting, Fashion Marketing: Principles and Practices, Production 360 and Fashion Entrepreneurship-Thesis
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Nathalie Tessier
Fashion Business Program Leader
After graduating from Texas A&M University with an architecture degree, Mr. Sukphisit held positions such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) / CAD manager, project manager, on-site BIM trainer, and college-level Revit and AutoCAD software instructor. Mr. Sukphisit is a Revit Certified Professional. His interests have been in new skills development (including BIM implementations, COBie deliverables, and laser scanning) and bringing those skills to his current position as Project Manager for Broward County and Adjunct Faculty at Istituto Marangoni Miami. Over his 20 years of architecture, engineering, and construction experience, Mr. Sukphisit has prepared many contract deliverables, which he strongly shares with students in his coursework.
Teaching Areas: Sensory and Experience Design
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Peck Sukphisit
Interior Design Professor
Ricardo Garcia is a talented graphic designer with an MA in Design and Media Management from Miami International University of Art and Design. His design expertise is multidisciplinary, and he excellently provides layout and design direction in diverse projects. He has worked on end-to-end brand creative, brand systems, social-digital experiences, brand campaigns, launches, and events for high-tech and digital brands.
Teaching Areas: Introduction to Digital Design and Intermediate Digital Design
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Ricardo Garcia
Interior Design Professor
Roxana Frontini teaches our students how to excel at managing marketing projects and teams, integrating strategies, and implementing complex initiatives for success. She incorporates her robust problem-solving abilities and entrepreneurial mindset into all her teaching and projects. Roxana is a proactive leader with extensive experience in fostering the growth of global companies in the media, fashion, music, and creative sectors. Possessing Master’s Degrees in Technology and Business Management and a double major in Law and Business, Roxana holds expertise in utilizing data-driven and highly creative marketing through technology and innovation to drive purposeful profitability and business expansion.
Teaching Areas: Ethics, Branding, Marketing & Communications
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Roxana Frontini
Fashion Business Professor
Sarah Watson-Baik, a dynamic creative and educator from California, holds Fine Art and Commercial Photography degrees. She's an art, design, fashion, Korean culture, wellness, and sustainability expert. With a background in journalism, she covered the Britpop era and Japanese Harajuku fashion. She continued her education in London at Central St. Martins College and Goldsmiths College. With over a decade in Seoul, South Korea, she's a respected teacher, fashion stylist, professor, and social media influencer. Now based in Miami, she's a Professor of Fashion Styling at Istituto Marangoni Miami, passionately advocating for Korean and Southeast Asian fashion and culture.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Campaign & Photography, Fashion Styling 2 and 3
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Sarah Watson-Baik
Fashion Styling Professor
Sofía Agostini is an independent fashion journalist and an adjunct faculty professor at the Istituto Marangoni of Miami. She teaches Research Methods at the Master's level and Fashion Criticism & Digital Writing in the Introduction to Styling progressive course. She was part of the first cohort of Master's students to graduate from the school and is an active member of the Marangoni Miami community.
Her dissertation, Where Have All the Tailors Gone?, was published in the fall 2021 issue of Fashion Studies Journal.
Particularly interested in the history and growth of Latin American Fashion, Agostini has contributed several entries to the encyclopedia 'Raíces de la Moda' of Vogue México and written profiles on upcoming regional designers. She also collaborates for publications like Vanity Fair Spain and DNA Magazine.
Teaching Areas: Fashion Writing and Research Methods
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Sofia Agostini
Fashion Business Professor
Victor Uphaus is a former retail executive who worked as a Store Manager and District Training manager for well-known American retail companies, such as Kids R Us, The Children's Place, GAP, JLindeberg, and Brooks Brothers. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge has enabled him to teach management, marketing, and other business courses at colleges and universities since 1997. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan and two Master's Degrees from St. Thomas University, one in Management and the other in Business Administration.
Teaching Areas: Finance and Strategic Retail Management
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Victor Uphaus
Fashion Business Professor