COLLABORATIONS

At Istituto Marangoni Miami, collaboration is the cornerstone of a comprehensive education in fashion and design. Our strategic partnerships with industry leaders enhance the student experience and provide invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development.

Through these collaborations, students are exposed to real-world projects, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities within Miami and beyond. By engaging with the fashion and design community through these partnerships, our students gain a deeper understanding of the industry, its trends, and its demands, preparing them for successful careers in this dynamic field.

These collaborative efforts empower our students to apply their creativity, skills, and knowledge in meaningful ways, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.

In our ‘In Conversation With’ series, renowned fashion designer Tory Burch provided students with vital lessons she has learned throughout her illustrious career, offering invaluable advice drawn from her extensive industry experience. During the session, she underscored the significance of challenging conventional methods and emphasized the importance of identifying gaps within the industry to create innovative solutions. This perspective, she explained, has been instrumental in her success and growth as a leading figure in the fashion world.

Tory Burch’s candid discussion offered students a unique glimpse into the inner workings and strategic thinking behind a major fashion house. She shared anecdotes and personal experiences that illustrated the realities of navigating the fashion industry, from initial concept and design to marketing and global brand management. Her emphasis on authenticity and staying true to one’s vision resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to pursue their own paths with confidence and creativity.

Moreover, the session provided a rare opportunity for students to connect with Tory Burch on a personal level. Her openness about the challenges she faced and the triumphs she achieved humanized the often glamorous perception of the fashion industry. Students walked away with a richer understanding of the dedication, resilience, and innovation required to succeed in such a competitive field.

During Art Basel 2023, Istituto Marangoni Miami proudly collaborated with Kid Cudi’s renowned clothing brand, Members of the Rage, in a captivating partnership that highlighted the intersection of fashion and art. This collaboration was spearheaded by our esteemed styling professor, Juanita Crary, who guided our talented Fashion Styling students in taking charge of the visual merchandising for the exclusive collection.

Under Professor Juanita Crary’s expert leadership, the students meticulously crafted two window displays that flawlessly encapsulated the unique essence of the Members of the Rage collection. These displays were designed not only to showcase the garments but also to create an engaging and immersive experience for all Art Basel attendees. The innovative use of color, form, and thematic elements in the displays drew significant attention, making them standout features of the event.

Throughout the week, visitors to Art Basel were captivated by the dynamic and artistic presentation of Kid Cudi’s brand, which seamlessly blended contemporary fashion with artistic expression. This collaboration provided our students with a remarkable hands-on learning opportunity, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience in high-profile event styling.

Three of our IMM Fashion Styling students had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Guillermo Kahlo, the grandnephew of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. This collaboration centered around developing their concepts of self-portraits that reflect the profound impact of Frida Kahlo’s legacy on their individual artistic journeys. Working closely with Guillermo Kahlo, the students immersed themselves in exploring and interpreting the themes that are quintessential to Frida Kahlo’s work.

These themes included the intricate interplay between masculinity and femininity, the journey toward self-discovery and self-love, and the rich representation of culture. The students examined how Frida Kahlo’s art delves deeply into these topics, and they sought to express these ideas through their own creative lenses. The resulting self-portraits were deeply personal and reflective, demonstrating not only their technical skills but also their ability to convey complex emotions and cultural narratives.

This collaboration was made possible through an alliance with the Mexican Cultural Institute in Miami, which provided a supportive platform for this artistic endeavor. The Institute’s involvement underscored the cultural significance of the project and highlighted the importance of fostering cross-cultural artistic exchanges. Through this experience, the students not only honored the legacy of Frida Kahlo but also enhanced their understanding of how cultural heritage and personal identity can be interwoven in the realm of fashion and art.

Fashion Styling students were presented with an exciting opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills through a still-life photoshoot featuring a series of Diesel products. This hands-on experience provided them with invaluable insights into the intricacies of fashion styling and photography, as well as the dynamics of real-life industry projects.

The students’ task was not only to curate a visually compelling composition but also to effectively communicate the essence and brand identity of Diesel through their styling choices. Each element of the shoot, from the arrangement of the products to the lighting and overall aesthetic, required careful consideration to achieve the desired impact.

This collaboration with Regia Magazine represents an ongoing partnership aimed at providing students with real-world industry exposure and experience. With each issue, a different featured brand and topic are selected, offering students the opportunity to engage with diverse creative challenges and expand their skill set.

Through this partnership, students gain invaluable hands-on experience in various aspects of the fashion industry, including creative direction, fashion photography, and collaboration with external partners.

For the Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2023 collection, IMM styling students didn’t just sit on the sidelines; they dove headfirst into the heart of the action by taking on the challenging task of styling models for the show. This hands-on experience thrust them into the whirlwind of backstage runway preparation, where split-second decisions and meticulous attention to detail are paramount.

As they worked alongside seasoned professionals in the industry, the students gained firsthand insight into the fast-paced dynamics and high-pressure environment of fashion shows. From selecting the perfect garments and accessories to ensuring every detail was flawlessly executed, they embraced the intensity of the moment and rose to the occasion with creativity and precision.

This invaluable experience transcended mere observation, immersing the students in the real-world intricacies of the fashion world. They not only witnessed the inner workings of a prestigious luxury house but actively contributed to its success. Their contributions played a pivotal role in bringing the designer’s vision to life on the runway, marking a significant milestone in their journey as emerging stylists.

Through this immersive experience, the students honed their skills, refined their instincts, and gained a deeper appreciation for the collaborative effort required to stage a successful fashion show.

Participation in the Chanel Cruise Show 2022/2023 at the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach was a career-defining moment for fashion styling students. Nicole Leave and Juanita Garcia, seizing the opportunity with enthusiasm and professionalism, undertook key responsibilities in curating the mannequins for the Chanel exposition at the Faena Forum and orchestrating the styling of models for the show. Their meticulous attention to detail and creative flair were instrumental in ensuring that the Chanel brand was impeccably represented.

This hands-on experience provided students with invaluable insights into the inner workings of luxury brands and the intricacies of fashion shows. They witnessed firsthand the meticulous planning and execution required to stage a high-profile event, from selecting garments and accessories to coordinating every aspect of the presentation. Working behind the scenes alongside seasoned professionals, students gained a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that underpin the world of luxury fashion.

Moreover, the experience afforded students the opportunity to hone essential communication skills as they liaised with Chanel representatives and collaborated closely with the brand’s team. Building relationships and fostering effective communication are crucial aspects of the styling profession, and this experience offered students a valuable opportunity to develop these skills in a real-world setting.

By immersing themselves in the world of Chanel, students gained a deeper understanding of the standards of excellence and attention to detail that define top-tier luxury brands. They emerged from this experience not only with enhanced technical skills but also with a heightened sense of professionalism and confidence in their ability to navigate the competitive landscape of the fashion industry.