Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) presented its highly anticipated Annual Fashion Show, Volare, in the iconic Palm Court, a cultural cornerstone of the Miami Design District (MDD) – a neighborhood recognized for its dedication to creativity, innovation and design excellence. Now in its second year, the event showcased the final collections of IMM’s fashion design students while introducing an exciting new program – the IMM x Miami Design District Scholarship Fund – designed to support Miami’s next generation of fashion talent.
The IMM’s fashion design students who presented their creative collections are: Chenqi Jiang, Daniel Uribe, Emilia Mourier, Emilia Tobal, Ilayda Polat, Jancarlos Cruz, Juan Vargas, Juanita Gutierrez, Julietta Guerra, Mariana Jimenez, Nina Talpe, Paula Patino, Rotem Bensaadon, Sofia Lemann, Sophia Nasco, Valeria Amand, Valery Luna and Zoe Pereita.
This year, top model Karolína Kurková – a long-time supporter of Istituto Marangoni Miami and a member of the IMM Advisory Board – walked in and closed the runway show wearing a one-of-a-kind vintage wig tailor-made by the legendary hairstylist Antoni Cierplikowski, also known as “Antoine de Paris”, for Josephine Baker. Parodi Costume Collection has generously loaned this prestigious piece to Istituto Marangoni Miami for the special occasion, after having been carefully preserved and never worn again, since it belonged to Baker in the 1920s. Karolína Kurková also wore a look by fashion design student Ilayda Polat.
In other exciting news, three of the looks showcased by fashion design students Emilia Mourier, Mariana Jimenez, and Nina Talpe were created with Swarovski crystals, courtesy of Swarovski.
The theme of Volare draws inspiration from flight, freedom, and limitless creativity, reflecting the aspirational spirit of IMM’s students as they prepare to take flight into the future of fashion design.
“This show is not just about the designs our students create but also about celebrating the boundless creativity and ambition they bring to the industry,” said Hakan Baykam, President of Istituto Marangoni Miami. “Volare is a celebration of the future, where innovation, craftsmanship, and inspiration all take flight on the runway, marking an unforgettable night in Miami’s fashion calendar.”
“Volare represents the culmination of each student’s unique journey and dedication. As Dean of Fashion, it is an honor to witness their growth firsthand, working one-on-one with each designer,” said Mario Braghieri, Dean of Fashion at Istituto Marangoni Miami. “More than a fashion show, this is a testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work these students put into bringing their visions to life on the runway. I am incredibly proud of their achievements, and I can’t wait for the world to see what they’ve created.”
The fashion show gathered the fashion, design, art, and creative communities across Miami for a night of innovation, style, and cutting-edge design. The runway came alive with the final collections of IMM’s top fashion design students, offering an exclusive first look at their artistic and fashion-forward creations. As Miami continues establishing itself as a global hub for fashion and design, this event was one of the city’s most anticipated celebrations of student talent. Furthermore, the collaboration with MDD reinforces the neighborhood’s role as an incubator for the next generation of visionaries at the intersection of art, design, and fashion.
This year, the experience was elevated by a special live performance from the Miami Symphony Orchestra, which added a dynamic, live element that set the tone for the show and amplified the runway's energy. Their performance set the tone for an unforgettable evening that merges fashion, music, and innovation in the heart of the Design District.
Introducing The IMM x Miami Design District Scholarship Initiative
This year’s show marked the launch of an education-driven initiative to open doors for the next wave of fashion talent. In partnership with MDD, IMM launched the IMM x MDD Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will cover full tuition – valued at $162,300 – for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at IMM, awarded to a Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) graduate.
“Supporting this scholarship alongside Istituto Marangoni Miami is an investment in the future of fashion, creativity, and the cultural fabric of our city,” said Craig Robins, CEO and President of Dacra. “Miami Design District has always been a place where culture, innovation, and talent come together, and supporting the next generation of designers through education is a natural extension of that vision.”
The scholarship application is now open and available for student applications through the IMM website. Additionally, 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales for this year’s fashion show went directly into the scholarship fund.
A Night of Creativity and Giving Back
The Annual Fashion Show also reinforces IMM’s mission to foster community and open pathways for aspiring creatives. As the event continues to grow, it stands as both a celebration of creative expression and a commitment to nurturing the future of fashion. Together, IMM and its partners are shaping a legacy that bridges education, creativity, and philanthropy — positioning Volare as a signature event within Miami’s vibrant Design District.
Image credit: World Red Eye
