#Italy #Milan #luxury fashion #Ferragamo #Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni: Where Fashion Meets Education

Founded in 1935 in Milan, Istituto Marangoni has established itself as one of the most influential fashion schools in the world, remarking itself as "The School Closest to the Fashion Industry." This philosophy serves as the backbone of a curriculum that intricately connects education with luxury global brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Versace, and Zegna.

At Marangoni, students don’t just learn fashion — they experience it. This immersive learning approach allows them to collaborate with internationally recognized brands, tackling real-world challenges. From concept development to design realization, and strategizing communication plans to planning marketing campaigns, students gain hands-on experience that equips them for immediate impact in the global industry.

Graduates from Marangoni seamlessly transition into careers at prestigious houses and creative studios by engaging deeply with the modern fashion industry's ecosystem. Their educational programs broadly span across various subjects such as AI and VR's role in fashion marketing, the planning of luxury perfumes and beauty brands, and even the interplay between fashion, interior design, and hospitality. Students experience a curriculum built on actual industry dynamics through project-based and practical learning frameworks.

As a recent example of Marangoni's industry-first education, the Paris campus has launched a collaboration with the Italian luxury brand Ferragamo. This project links with the “Fashion Buying & Merchandising” master’s program, providing students with the chance to witness and interact directly with the luxury retail environment and brand strategies. During their visit to Ferragamo's flagship store at 45 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, students engaged in discussions with the store manager, deepening their understanding of brand identity, retail strategies, and the evolving luxury market.

Students also undertook practical projects that included store analyses and proposing comprehensive strategies aimed at capturing younger customers, covering aspects such as market positioning, merchandising, customer experience, and visual merchandising tactics.

Another strength of Istituto Marangoni is its expansive global campus network. With locations in Milan, Florence, Paris, and London, alongside campuses in Dubai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Mumbai, Miami, and Riyadh, students can participate in cross-campus projects while gaining exposure to diverse markets and cultures essential in the luxury fashion and lifestyle industry.

The Milan campus, which lies at the heart of this global network, has witnessed significant enhancements in its educational environment with its recent move to the iconic Palazzo Turati. The new campus spans around 9,000 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including drawing and pattern-making studios, design planning labs, an IT suite with industry-standard software, and a professional-grade photo studio. This setup allows students to carry through their ideas from conception and development to visual communication within a realistic setting, transcending traditional educational boundaries.

The faculty at Marangoni is composed of active professionals from the fashion and luxury sectors. One notable faculty member is Alessandro Sartori, the artistic director of Zegna and a leading designer in modern menswear, illustrating how closely Marangoni connects with elite creative leadership worldwide.

Students benefit from direct mentorship from executives, creative directors, and entrepreneurs, developing not only technical skills but also an understanding of market structures and brand languages, and strategic thinking that combines creativity with business acumen.

The fruits of this educational approach are evident in the success of Marangoni graduates. For example, Dario Vitale, who graduated from the Milan campus in 2006, recently became the chief creative officer of Versace, stepping into the role previously held by Donatella Versace and ushering in a new era for the brand. Vitale has held significant positions at Bottega Veneta and Miu Miu, further testament to the career trajectories open to Marangoni students. Another brilliant example is Francesca Nicoletti, who succeeded him at Miu Miu and also holds a Marangoni degree, demonstrating the school’s direct impact on leadership roles within the luxury sector.

Each year, the I’M Talent Showroom stands as a prime instance of the school’s industry collaboration. Selected graduate designers showcase their collections to a global audience comprising buyers, media, and industry representatives, bridging the gap between emerging talents and the marketplace.

Through a curriculum that is firmly connected to the fashion industry, a global campus network that spans major style cities, and graduates who carry on the creative vision in renowned houses like Versace and Zegna, Istituto Marangoni offers students unparalleled opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth.

With a philosophy that merges tradition and innovation, backed by extensive global professional networks, Marangoni continues to nurture the next generation of leaders poised to shape the future of the fashion industry.