Istituto Marangoni Miami

Summary

The Miami School of Fashion and Design, officially known as Istituto Marangoni Miami, is a premier institution offering specialised education in fashion and design. Located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, it provides diverse accredited programmes, including Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s degrees, catering to creative and business-oriented students. As part of the Istituto Marangoni Group, the institute upholds a legacy of excellence in fashion education, combining Italian craftsmanship with global industry insights.

History

Istituto Marangoni was founded in 1935 in Milan, Italy, by renowned tailor Giulio Marangoni. Initially established as the Marangoni Artistic Clothing Institute, it aimed to train young talents in the art of tailoring. In 1942, the institution evolved into a professional art school, focusing on pattern making and seamstress training. During the 1970s and 1980s, the school expanded its curriculum to include fashion design, product development, and marketing, adapting to the changing dynamics of the fashion industry.

The institution’s international expansion began in 2003 with the opening of a campus in London, followed by Paris in 2006. In 2013, campuses were established in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China, further extending its global reach. The Mumbai campus opened in 2017, and the Miami campus commenced operations in January 2018, marking the first Istituto Marangoni school in the United States. The Miami campus was strategically located in the city’s Design District, a hub for art, architecture, and fashion, to immerse students in a vibrant creative environment.

The Miami campus offers a comprehensive range of programmes, including Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Master of Arts degrees, in disciplines such as Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Business, and Interior Design. These programmes are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the global fashion and design industries. IMM’s curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry professionals and academics, ensuring that students receive a contemporary and relevant education. The school emphasises hands-on learning, with opportunities for internships, live projects, and participation in international competitions, providing students with practical experience and exposure to the industry.

Istituto Marangoni Miami is more than just an academic and creative school; it is a cultural melting pot where creativity flourishes and the pursuit of knowledge intertwines with the ever-evolving worlds of fashion and design. IMM fosters a dynamic campus life, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities, workshops, and events that complement their academic pursuits. The school’s location in Miami allows students to benefit from the city’s diverse cultural influences. At Istituto Marangoni Miami, the spirit of community lies at the core of its philosophy. The institution is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every individual’s voice is valued, every talent is nurtured, and every aspiration is encouraged. Through collaboration on projects, participation in industry events, and engaging discussions, students find numerous opportunities to grow and excel.

The school places emphasis on experiential learning and the development of professional portfolios from the outset, encouraging students to immerse themselves in activities that extend beyond the classroom and into the dynamic world of fashion and design. Supported by strong ties with luxury brands and industry leaders, students work on hands-on projects that encompass fashion photography, videography, creative direction, fashion weeks, and design competitions. This combination of academic and real-world experience equips graduates with the skills, confidence, and portfolios needed to succeed in their professional journeys.

Located in the Miami Design District in Miami, Florida, the 7-story campus is the epitome of fashion and innovation. Situated amidst the district’s eclectic mix of art galleries, luxury fashion houses, and trendy eateries, students at Instituto Marangoni Miami gain first-hand exposure to the world of fashion. The 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 labs, ateliers, or in the photoshoot studio. The school’s environment allows students to ignite passion, cultivate talent, and to shape their future in fashion.

Istituto Marangoni Miami provides resources for its fashion and design students, including a fully-equipped photoshoot studio, computers with Adobe software, fabrics, and other creative tools. The campus is designed with specialized spaces such as design classrooms, pattern-cutting studios, theory classrooms, and computer labs, all equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. Additionally, the school is dedicated to students’ career development through mentorships, internships, a speakers program, and a robust alumni network. A firm non-discrimination policy ensures equal opportunities for all qualified students, irrespective of background.

Vision

Istituto Marangoni Miami’s vision is to always be at the center of style, to drive students’ ambitions and dreams through creativity and innovation, to support creative industries worldwide, and to provide a solid and cross-disciplinary approach to education, research and business solutions in Fashion and Design.

Per the official website: “We strive to excel in luxury fashion and design, inspiring students through their creativity, innovation, and academic legacy, shaping the global landscape while supporting creative industries worldwide. Our goal is to create a unique learning environment that fosters artistic expression, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of the fashion industry’s intricacies.”

At Istituto Marangoni Miami, the curriculum is designed to reflect the latest trends and technologies in fashion and design, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. The faculty emphasize the importance of sustainability and ethical practices, encouraging students to consider the impact of their work on the environment and society. they aim to cultivate a global network of alumni who are influential in various sectors of the creative industries, contributing to the advancement of fashion and design on a global scale.

Top Courses

Students in the Master of Arts in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management program examine the strategies and accomplishments of well-known luxury businesses through in-depth case studies, obtaining knowledge of efficient branding, marketing, and commercial procedures. Industry guest speakers provide invaluable insights into current trends and issues by sharing their firsthand knowledge and viewpoints on fashion business management. Students have first-hand exposure to the dynamic ecosystem of the fashion business through field trips to upscale stores, trade exhibits, and fashion events. The opportunities in this Master in Fashion program allow students to undertake industry-based projects, apply their academic knowledge to practical situations, and develop their professional networks and practical skills.

The Master of Arts in Fashion Design program at Istituto Marangoni emphasizes both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation. Students engage in hands-on learning through studio-based workshops, where they explore advanced techniques in pattern making, draping, and garment construction under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals. These workshops are complemented by digital design courses, where students harness the latest technology, such as 3D modeling and digital prototyping, to bring their creative visions to life. The curriculum is designed to foster experimentation and originality, encouraging students to push the boundaries of fashion design.

In Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Styling, the school combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The teaching methods are designed to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills essential for success in fashion styling. Through classroom lectures, hands-on workshops, industry collaborations, and real-world projects, students gain a comprehensive understanding of fashion styling concepts and techniques. The experienced faculty members, who are industry professionals, provide personalized guidance and mentorship to help students develop their unique style and creative vision. Additionally, guest lectures, industry visits, and internships offer valuable insights into the workings of the fashion industry and provide networking opportunities for students to connect with professionals in the field.

Key Team

• Roberto Riccio – Chief Executive Officer, Istituto Marangoni Group

• Hakan Baykam – President, Istituto Marangoni Miami

• Michael Allen Johnson – Vice President of Academics, Istituto Marangoni Miami

Job Integration Rate

Istituto Marangoni Miami 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 IMM’s educational approach and its strong connections with the fashion industry.

Awards and Recognition

Istituto Marangoni Miami has been recognised for its excellence in education and design. In 2021, the school’s website redesign won a Grand Award at the NYX International Marketing Awards in the School/Universities category, highlighting its commitment to innovative and user-friendly design.