Engaging in a variety of contests is essential for the holistic development of students, nurturing a wide range of skills outside the realm of academics. Participation in contests fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. It promotes creativity and innovation, inspiring students to strive for excellence. Contests also promote healthy competition, motivating students to pursue ongoing improvement and success.

Moreover, involvement in contests enhances students’ self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and ability to handle pressure, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors. Ultimately, contests present invaluable opportunities for students to absorb, progress, and excel in various aspects of life. Additionally, contests contribute significantly to broadening students’ perspectives.

Through diverse competitions, students are exposed to new ideas and viewpoints that may not be present in their regular classroom settings. This exposure helps them gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world, enriching their cultural awareness and global perspective.

WATCH DESIGN COMPETITION

Rado is a leading luxury watch brand from Switzerland, renowned for creating high-quality timepieces. Originating in Lengnau in 1917, Rado has gained recognition for its innovative and expertly crafted watches. The brand is well-known for its pioneering use of advanced materials and contemporary designs, pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

In a recent project, Rado encouraged fashion design students to exhibit their creativity by presenting a festive packaging design. The initiative not only showcased artistic talent but also highlighted Rado’s dedication to merging artistry with innovation. The winning design will be featured in Rado’s upcoming collections, adding an exclusive element to the brand’s luxurious offerings.

The winning designer received a $5k scholarship, providing substantial support for their education and future pursuits in design. This opportunity not only acknowledges the student’s creativity and hard work but also contributes to their future in the design field. Through such endeavors, Rado remains committed to inspiring and fostering the next generation of designers, reinforcing its tradition of excellence and forward-thinking in luxury watchmaking.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

The Sprayground contest revolved around crafting a distinctive article of clothing featuring the iconic elements of the backpack brand. Five finalists from the Fashion Design program were awarded the chance to showcase their creations at New York Fashion Week at the Fotografiska Museum. This prestigious event presented an exceptional platform for these budding designers to exhibit their work alongside established industry professionals, securing substantial exposure and acclaim.

The contest provided students with valuable hands-on experience in sketching, pattern cutting, and clothing construction – essential competencies for any aspiring fashion designer. Moreover, it offered a real-life implementation of their classroom learning, enabling them to grasp the nuances of the fashion industry more effectively. Participants were tasked with thinking imaginatively and pioneering solutions while remaining faithful to the unique style of the Sprayground brand, nurturing their capacity to merge creative vision with practical design.

SWIMWEAR DESIGN & STYLING COMPETITION

Istituto Marangoni Miami made waves at Paraiso Swim Week by presenting a Fashion Show featuring a Swimwear Upcycle Challenge, promoting sustainability. The event shines a spotlight on eco-friendly practices in fashion, fostering creativity and responsible design. Each year, six students transform donated dead stock fabrics into one-of-a-kind swimwear designs, collaborating with established swimwear brands to create high-quality, innovative pieces.

The annual event takes place in the summer, uniting the school’s fashion community in a lively celebration of sustainable fashion. Styling students oversee the models’ appearances, carefully coordinating hair, makeup, and accessories to enhance the designers’ creations. This partnership ensures a seamless and refined presentation on the catwalk.

Beyond exhibiting their work, students gain valuable hands-on experience, learning to tackle the intricacies of sustainable design and production. They hone skills in manipulating fabric, employing inventive construction techniques, and embracing creative troubleshooting, all within the realm of environmentally conscious fashion.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

IMM Fashion Design students teamed up with Salvatore Ferragamo to creatively repurpose 500 unsold pandemic-era ties generously provided by the brand. The resulting collection includes elegant dresses, trendy bucket hats, and fashionable umbrellas, emphasizing sustainability and resourcefulness in fashion.

Throughout the project, students experimented with various techniques, patterns, textures, and draping methods, resulting in eye-catching pieces blending Ferragamo’s luxury aesthetic with contemporary fashion trends. This project honed students’ craftsmanship and attention to detail while showcasing their innovative design skills.

The winning design, a striking dress elegantly combining multiple ties, was prominently displayed at the Salvatore Ferragamo Bal Harbour store, providing valuable exposure for the student designers and showcasing their talents to a broader audience and industry professionals.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

Fashion design students showcased their creative designs featuring Solstiss lace, a luxurious material celebrated for its intricate patterns and enduring charm. The competition spotlighted the students’ capacity to integrate this premium lace into inventive and refined designs, demonstrating their technical prowess and artistic ingenuity.

The winner received $3,000 worth of Solstiss lace fabric and a prized 2-week internship at the esteemed Solstiss Showroom in New York City. This internship presented a priceless opportunity to acquire firsthand expertise in a professional environment, absorb knowledge from industry leaders, and grasp the sophisticated processes involved in lace production and application. The second-place contestant was granted $1,500 worth of lace fabric, while the third-place recipient received $500 worth of lace fabric, ensuring recognition and support for multiple deserving students.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

Halston, the American fashion brand known for its elegant styles inspired by the disco era, partnered with IMM Fashion Design students in a unique contest. The collaboration allowed aspiring designers to create environmentally friendly Ultrasuede clothing inspired by Halston’s iconic look, merging sustainability with high-end fashion.

The contest provided students with a chance to explore Ultrasuede, a material recognized for its luxurious feel, resilience, and eco-friendly attributes. The challenge urged students to think creatively about integrating sustainable materials into fashionable designs honoring Halston’s legacy.

The exceptional contestants — Camila Balleste, Ryan Hamilton, and Valentina Arenas — were recognized for their outstanding creativity and skill, each receiving a scholarship and an opportunity to showcase their designs in The Fashion Arts and Illustration Magazine (FIDA). Winning the contest affirmed the students’ talent and introduced them to potential career prospects and industry professionals.

SHOE DESIGN COMPETITION

Six students unveiled their unique heel designs at a special Art Basel 2022 event as part of a design challenge with the renowned Brazilian footwear brand, Alexandre Birman. This collaboration allowed students to merge their creative visions with the brand’s luxurious and contemporary style, resulting in innovative and striking heel designs.

Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Berkowitz and direct guidance from Alexandre Birman’s CEO, the students navigated the entire design process, from concept to final product, gaining invaluable insights into footwear design intricacies. The collaboration ensured that each design met the high standards of the Alexandre Birman brand, combining elegance with functionality.

The Art Basel 2022 event provided a remarkable platform for these aspiring designers, offering significant exposure to industry professionals, art enthusiasts, and fashion connoisseurs. Out of the six exceptional designs, two winners were selected based on their creativity, craftsmanship, and overall impact, earning coveted summer internships at the Alexandre Birman headquarters in Sao Paulo.

FASHION BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Thom Browne partnered with Istituto Marangoni Miami to open their main store in the Design District, offering an invaluable learning experience for fashion students. This collaboration gave students the chance to showcase their skills and gain practical experience, bridging the gap between academic study and industry application.

In preparation for the store’s launch, students took on various creative and strategic tasks, including market research, consumer behavior analysis, and the development of tailored marketing strategies. Their proposals encompassed plans for merchandising, visual displays, and customer engagement tactics, ensuring a successful launch that resonated locally and internationally.

The students’ active involvement in the flagship store launch provided them with real-world insights and mentorship from industry experts, including Thom Browne’s senior executives and retail professionals. This experience gave them a deep understanding of the brand’s philosophy, operational challenges, and the high standards required for success in the retail industry.