Istituto Marangoni Dubai School of Fashion and Design

SUMMARY

Istituto Marangoni Dubai School of Fashion & Design is the Middle East campus of Istituto Marangoni, a global fashion and design education network known for shaping creative talent for more than eight decades. Established in Dubai Design District, the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fashion, design, and luxury business, integrating Italian design heritage into Dubai’s dynamic creative industry. Partnering with local professionals and industry players has made Istituto Marangoni Dubai a bridge between cultures. The school aims to promote local development and cultural diversity while empowering women and inspiring next-gen talent to explore new, global business opportunities.

HISTORY

Istituto Marangoni was originally founded in Milan in 1935 as a professional training institute for fashion designers and technicians. The institution aimed to support the emerging Italian fashion industry, which was beginning to develop a distinctive identity in the global market. Over the decades, it became closely associated with the growth of brands, ateliers, and style movements that shaped Italy’s reputation in couture and luxury craftsmanship.

During the second half of the twentieth century, the institute expanded its academic offerings to include broader creative disciplines such as fashion styling, fashion business, and textile development. This expansion reflected the increasing complexity of the fashion ecosystem, where creative vision, branding, and production needed to work together cohesively. As Italian fashion gained international prominence, the institute became a respected centre for creative education across Europe.

In the 2000s, Istituto Marangoni began establishing international campuses in global fashion capitals and emerging creative hubs. Centres were opened in London, Paris, Shanghai, Mumbai, Shenzhen, and Florence, among others. Each campus maintained the institution’s foundational philosophy: blending local cultural influences with global design standards.

The decision to open a campus in Dubai aligned with the region’s rapid development as a global luxury and cultural destination. “A market study made us understand that there was room for an institute like ours. There is no structured school in the region with such an offer articulated around the disciplines of fashion, art and interior design. This is an opportunity to set foot in the Middle East, where we can surf on our reputation which is very strong there, even if we were not present in the territory,” said Istituto Marangoni Managing Director, Stefania Valenti, in a release.

A creative melting pot of Italian heritage, UAE traditions and international influences, Istituto Marangoni Dubai aims to become the leading private Higher Education Institution for Fashion and Design in Dubai. Strategically located in one of the city’s most vibrant lifestyle and cutting-edge districts – the Dubai International Financial Centre – the school combines an innovative learning experience with Italian expertise to enhance local talent and shape the future of the UAE fashion, design and creative industry.

Partnering with local professionals and industry players has made Istituto Marangoni Dubai a powerful source of inspiration and a nerve centre for prestigious career options. While supporting students’ personal and professional growth, the school will also teach them to deal with the complex challenges of today’s fashion, art and design industries. A bridge between cultures, the school aims to promote local development and cultural diversity while empowering women and inspiring next-gen talent to explore new and global business opportunities.

Istituto Marangoni Dubai offers students a contemporary and stylish environment equipped with all the industry- and sector-specific facilities, including drawing and sketching room, pattern and cutting room, fabric library, fashion and design book library and an outdoor terrace. The realisation of the 1,050 square metre prestigious campus was directed by the Italian architect Giulio Cappellini who also designed furniture pieces including chairs, tables and sofas used for the school.

With 70% of the academic staff coming from Italy and the others recruited locally, Istituto Marangoni provides students with the innovative ‘learning by doing’ teaching approach that combines the traditional academic studies with the creative and practical activities. “Istituto Marangoni is committed to have an active role in The Middle East to encourage the creation of a new ecosystem between talents, institutions, stakeholders and industries; to build the new generation of fashion designers in the region. With special attention for empowering women in their aspirational field of interest, be it fashion, design or arts” said Stefania Valenti, Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni about the Dubai school.

From its inception, the school emphasised partnerships with regional and international brands, design houses, and creative entrepreneurs. These collaborations enabled students to participate in real projects, internships, and professional networking opportunities, strengthening the link between education and employability. Today, Istituto Marangoni Dubai continues to support the UAE’s national ambition of developing a globally recognised creative economy. The school contributes to nurturing regional talent, supporting cultural innovation, and promoting Dubai as a centre for fashion and design leadership.

KEY TEAM

1. Stefania Valenti, Istituto Marangoni Group Managing Director, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai Director and Board Member.
2. Salvatore Sivari, Istituto Marangoni Group Head of Finance, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai Director and Board Member.
3. Vitomichele Dellacasa, Galileo Global Education Italia Chief Finance Officer, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai Director and Board Member.
4. Kamil-El-Ghali Senhaji, Galileo Global Education ​​Regional Director Africa, Middle East, Asia and Americas, and Istituto Marangoni Dubai Non-Executive Director and Board Member.
5. Roberto La Iacona, Istituto Marangoni Dubai Institution Director, ex officio member of Istituto Marangoni Dubai Board of Directors.

VISION

The founder’s vision has always been to cultivate professionals who not only possess creative skill but also understand the cultural and commercial context of their work. Fashion and design are seen as forms of contemporary expression that must respond to social, technological, and economic changes. The institution encourages students to learn from different cultural perspectives, work across disciplines, and collaborate with global partners. This reflects the belief that creativity thrives when exposed to diverse influences and cross-border exchange. The school also emphasises a balance between tradition and forward-looking practice. While maintaining roots in Italian design heritage and craftsmanship, it integrates modern techniques including digital fabrication, sustainable material research, artificial intelligence in design, and new forms of visual communication.

TOP DESIGN COURSES

Istituto Marangoni Dubai will offer a range of three-year undergraduate studies including Interior Design, Product Design, Visual Design, Fashion & Accessories Design, Fashion Business and Fashion Styling & Creative Direction, as well as Professional and Short courses covering different aspects of the Fashion and Design industry. “We are looking forward to welcoming our students and to help them transform their talents and passions into a professional career,” said Roberto La iacona, School Director – Istituto Marangoni Dubai.

“Since 1935 Istituto Marangoni’s mission has always been to empower talents. Some of the internationally-recognised and award-winning fashion and design stars, including Domenico Dolce, Franco Moschino, Alessandro Sartori, Rahul Mishra and Rafael Lopez graduated from Istituto Marangoni and we now want to support the growth and development of the UAE fashion, design and creative industry by educating a new generation of local talents.”

One of the most popular programmes is “Fashion Design and Accessories”. This three year full time course forms multi-skilled designers, fully qualified in the latest fashion and accessories design techniques and approaches. Covering shoes, bags, and fashion collection design, the course nurtures creativity and individual style, while also responding to new demands and trends in the fashion and luxury market. “Fashion Design Intensive” works within a limited time frame and provides the key technical and theoretical concepts related to fashion design and the fashion industry, looking at womenswear, menswear and accessories design, as well as an introduction to the study of materials and fabrics, and research applied to the individual design process.

“Fashion Design and Sustainability” covers design methods for sustainable fashion moving from the introduction of upcycling techniques, recycling methods, sustainable techniques of pattern cutting, the use of eco-friendly fibers, materials manipulations, draping with deadstock materials and the regeneration of second-hand clothes. Participants get familiar with circular business models in fashion and analyze best practice in the sector while integrating sustainable design principles that promote conscious environment respectful of the Earth health and resources.

“CLO3D Fashion” is perfect for students seeking to study digital fashion, and fashion designers and creatives seeking to unlock the transformative potential of the metaverse and Web3 in their design process. The programme targets young professionals with a background in fashion design, digital design, product design, fashion styling, or creative direction.

JOB INTEGRATION SERVICES

Istituto Marangoni Dubai has a career services department dedicated to supporting students and graduates in entering the creative workforce. The team works closely with regional and global employers to identify internship, project collaboration, freelance, and full-time opportunities. Regular portfolio reviews, interview coaching, and recruitment events are part of student preparation. The school also hosts industry talks, masterclasses, and workshops with designers, brand managers, architects, and creative directors. In addition, the campus participates in local fashion weeks, exhibits, design competitions, and cultural initiatives across the UAE. Students often present their final projects during industry showcases, providing visibility to employers, journalists, and creative communities.

Istituto Marangoni boasts impressive placement rates for its graduates. For the academic year 2022–2023, the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Business programme achieved a 100% overall employment rate, with 60% of graduates securing positions directly related to their field of study. Similarly, the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Styling programme also reported a 100% overall employment rate, with 80% of graduates employed in roles pertinent to their training. The Master of Arts in Luxury Brand Management programme demonstrated exceptional outcomes, with a 100% overall employment rate and 93% of graduates securing positions within their field. These figures underscore the effectiveness of the institute’s educational approach and its strong connections with the fashion industry.

REFERENCES

1. Introducing Marangoni Istituto Marangoni. 
2.  Moda e design in bilico. Nuove sfide e nuovi lavori Milano
3.  Italian schools expand horizons. International Herald Tribune. 
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6.  Moda, arte, design: sbarca a Firenze la scuola Marangoni  La Repubblica. 
7.  Learning Italian fashion in Shenzhen. China Daily. 
8.  Istituto Marangoni School of Fashion inaugurates new Mumbai campus Fashion United India. 
9.  “Istituto Marangoni opens first US school”. Fashion United
10. Fashionista: The Top 50 Fashion Schools In The World: The Fashionista Ranking
11.  L’Institut Marangoni vendu au groupe américain Providence Educpros.fr. 
12. Istituzioni autorizzate a rilasciare titoli di Alta Formazione Artistica, Musicale e Coreutica (art.11 DPR 8.7.2005, n.212) Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca. 
13.  Review for Educational Oversight: report of the monitoring visit of Istituto Marangoni, May 2013. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
14. Istituto Marangoni Limited. Higher Education Funding Council for England. 
15. Partners, Manchester Metropolitan University. Manchester Metropolitan University. 
16. Code RNCP: 26184, Intitulé Styliste-créateur(trice) Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles. 
17.  Marangoni a Firenze “Piace agli americani” La Repubblica. 
18. . Hands and Eyes: When Dolce met Gabbana. The New Yorker. 
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21.  Sandra Mansour is an alumna. Marangoni.