COMPETITIONS

HOW CONTESTS SHAPE FUTURE-READY STUDENTS

Engaging in a variety of contests is essential for the holistic development of students, nurturing a wide range of skills outside the realm of academics. Participation in contests fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance. It promotes creativity and innovation, inspiring students to strive for excellence. Contests also promote healthy competition, motivating students to pursue ongoing improvement and success.

Moreover, involvement in contests enhances students’ self-confidence, interpersonal skills, and ability to handle pressure, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors. Ultimately, contests present invaluable opportunities for students to absorb, progress, and excel in various aspects of life. Additionally, contests contribute significantly to broadening students’ perspectives.

Through diverse competitions, students are exposed to new ideas and viewpoints that may not be present in their regular classroom settings. This exposure helps them gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world, enriching their cultural awareness and global perspective.

TOUS X MARANGONI CHALLENGE

The TOUS x Marangoni Challenge honored the creativity of Istituto Marangoni Miami students, with finalists presenting Miami-inspired jewelry collections that embodied the city’s vibrant energy. From tributes to Miami’s tropical lifestyle to its Art Deco charm, each design told a bold story.

After deliberation by a TOUS jury, including Brand Development Director Anaïs Durand, Marketing & Communication Director Anna Sió, and Jewelry & Accessories Design Director Israel Roca, winners Maria Camila Cabrera and Isabella Davila were announced. Maria Camila’s ‘From Miami, With Love’ featured playful designs like orange blossom charms and license plate pendants, while Isabella’s ‘Tous Tropical Deco’ blended Art Deco elegance with sustainable elements, using recycled beads to highlight environmental awareness.

As part of their prize, the winners will join TOUS in Barcelona for a month-long internship in March 2025, gaining hands-on experience with the iconic brand.

MELISSA SHOW DESIGN COMPETITION

Fashion Design student Mila Cabrera was announced as the winner of the design competition hosted by Brazilian footwear brand, Melissa, in partnership with the school. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Melissa provided IMM students with an exciting opportunity to design a new concept using their iconic ‘Possession’ shoe silhouette, aimed at appealing to the Gen-Z US consumer market.

Mila’s winning ‘Possession’ design stood out for its creativity and originality, earning her a week-long, immersive experience at Melissa’s headquarters in Brazil. Alongside her shoe design, Mila also redesigned Melissa’s packaging using sustainable materials, further aligning with the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Accompanied by Fashion Design Competition & Events Program Leader Amy Berkowitz, Mila’s visit to Brazil includes in-depth sessions with Melissa’s design, retail, sustainability, and operations teams, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of this iconic brand. Additionally, Mila will visit the Melissa Galeria in São Paulo as her design moves toward production.

This remarkable achievement not only highlights Mila’s exceptional talent but also underscores IMM’s commitment to fostering innovation and providing students with invaluable industry experiences.

Istituto Marangoni Miami is proud to highlight the exceptional talent of its students showcased in the Pinta Art Chair Challenge, held during Art Week in Coconut Grove. The event featured five innovative chair designs, each reimagining functional furniture as a form of art. These stunning creations were revealed following an engaging conversation led by IMM’s Dean of Interior Design, Dr. Thelma Lazo-Flores, with Luky Cancio, Founder and Director of Cancio Contemporary, and Kaitlyn Carter, Representative of Left Bank Art.

The winning design, ‘K’A’ AM KU’’ (Enlightened Temple of Wishes), created by Jimena Lopez and Luciana Acuña Castell de Oro, drew inspiration from Mexican culture, seamlessly blending rich heritage with modern aesthetics. Their design exemplifies how tradition can be thoughtfully integrated into innovative, contemporary pieces, highlighting the power of art in elevating everyday objects.

The Pinta Art Chair Challenge not only celebrated creativity but also emphasized the role of design in transforming spaces and evoking emotion. By merging cultural tradition with cutting-edge design, the event underscored the importance of thoughtful creativity in shaping impactful environments. It was a testament to the dynamic and transformative potential of design, empowering students to explore new ways of thinking while honoring their cultural roots.

WATCH DESIGN COMPETITION

For two consecutive years, Rado and Istituto Marangoni Miami have partnered to provide students with a prestigious competition opportunity, offering a $5,000 scholarship to the winning designer. This collaboration celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, reinforcing Rado’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the world of design.

Rado, the Swiss luxury watch brand known for its pioneering use of materials and contemporary design, has built a legacy of blending artistry with cutting-edge technology. This year, fashion design students will once again have the opportunity to showcase their creativity by crafting an exclusive festive packaging design inspired by Rado’s distinctive aesthetic. The winning design will be featured in Rado’s upcoming collections, offering invaluable exposure within the luxury industry.

Last year’s winner, Mariana Jimenez, impressed the judges with her innovative and artistic packaging concept, securing the $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to see her design come to life in collaboration with Rado.

Through this continued partnership, Rado and Istituto Marangoni Miami reaffirm their dedication to fostering the next generation of designers, encouraging innovation and creativity while maintaining their shared tradition of excellence.

Istituto Marangoni Miami and Silvia Tcherassi, one of Latin America’s most celebrated fashion designers, have joined forces to launch the Silvia Tcherassi Scholarship Competition, an exclusive opportunity for aspiring Colombian designers to pursue their fashion dreams.

This prestigious competition offers four scholarships for Istituto Marangoni Miami’s one-year intensive programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Business, and Interior Design, including:

• 1 full scholarship covering 100% of tuition
• 3 partial scholarships covering 50% of tuition

The competition is open to talented and passionate individuals ready to take the next step in their fashion careers. Applicants will need to submit a portfolio showcasing their creativity and an essay explaining their aspirations, vision, and how this scholarship will help shape their future.

Through this initiative, Silvia Tcherassi and Istituto Marangoni Miami reaffirm their commitment to fostering Latin American talent, providing a world-class education, and bridging the gap between local creativity and the global fashion industry.

For three consecutive years, Istituto Marangoni Miami has partnered with Vogue Brazil, Vogue Mexico & Latin America to offer an exclusive scholarship competition, providing talented aspiring designers the opportunity to study at one of the world’s leading fashion institutions.

This prestigious initiative is designed to support the next generation of fashion designers, stylists, business leaders, and interior designers, offering a scholarship to enroll in one of Istituto Marangoni Miami’s intensive one-year programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Business, or Interior Design.

The competition challenges applicants to demonstrate their vision, creativity, and passion for fashion, requiring them to submit a portfolio and an essay showcasing their unique perspective and ambitions within the industry. Winners receive the opportunity to study in Miami’s thriving fashion hub, gaining access to industry mentors, global networking opportunities, and hands-on experience to kickstart their careers.

Through this continued collaboration, Vogue and Istituto Marangoni Miami reaffirm their commitment to discovering and nurturing emerging talent, ensuring that the next generation of fashion leaders has the education, resources, and support needed to thrive in the global industry.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

The Sprayground contest revolved around crafting a distinctive article of clothing featuring the iconic elements of the backpack brand. Five finalists from the Fashion Design program were awarded the chance to showcase their creations at New York Fashion Week at the Fotografiska Museum. This prestigious event presented an exceptional platform for these budding designers to exhibit their work alongside established industry professionals, securing substantial exposure and acclaim.

The contest provided students with valuable hands-on experience in sketching, pattern cutting, and clothing construction – essential competencies for any aspiring fashion designer. Moreover, it offered a real-life implementation of their classroom learning, enabling them to grasp the nuances of the fashion industry more effectively. Participants were tasked with thinking imaginatively and pioneering solutions while remaining faithful to the unique style of the Sprayground brand, nurturing their capacity to merge creative vision with practical design.

SWIMWEAR DESIGN & STYLING COMPETITION

Istituto Marangoni Miami made waves at Paraiso Swim Week by presenting a Fashion Show featuring a Swimwear Upcycle Challenge, promoting sustainability. The event shines a spotlight on eco-friendly practices in fashion, fostering creativity and responsible design. Each year, six students transform donated dead stock fabrics into one-of-a-kind swimwear designs, collaborating with established swimwear brands to create high-quality, innovative pieces.

The annual event takes place in the summer, uniting the school’s fashion community in a lively celebration of sustainable fashion. Styling students oversee the models’ appearances, carefully coordinating hair, makeup, and accessories to enhance the designers’ creations. This partnership ensures a seamless and refined presentation on the catwalk.

Beyond exhibiting their work, students gain valuable hands-on experience, learning to tackle the intricacies of sustainable design and production. They hone skills in manipulating fabric, employing inventive construction techniques, and embracing creative troubleshooting, all within the realm of environmentally conscious fashion.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

IMM Fashion Design students teamed up with Salvatore Ferragamo to creatively repurpose 500 unsold pandemic-era ties generously provided by the brand. The resulting collection includes elegant dresses, trendy bucket hats, and fashionable umbrellas, emphasizing sustainability and resourcefulness in fashion.

Throughout the project, students experimented with various techniques, patterns, textures, and draping methods, resulting in eye-catching pieces blending Ferragamo’s luxury aesthetic with contemporary fashion trends. This project honed students’ craftsmanship and attention to detail while showcasing their innovative design skills.

The winning design, a striking dress elegantly combining multiple ties, was prominently displayed at the Salvatore Ferragamo Bal Harbour store, providing valuable exposure for the student designers and showcasing their talents to a broader audience and industry professionals.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

Fashion design students showcased their creative designs featuring Solstiss lace, a luxurious material celebrated for its intricate patterns and enduring charm. The competition spotlighted the students’ capacity to integrate this premium lace into inventive and refined designs, demonstrating their technical prowess and artistic ingenuity.

The winner received $3,000 worth of Solstiss lace fabric and a prized 2-week internship at the esteemed Solstiss Showroom in New York City. This internship presented a priceless opportunity to acquire firsthand expertise in a professional environment, absorb knowledge from industry leaders, and grasp the sophisticated processes involved in lace production and application. The second-place contestant was granted $1,500 worth of lace fabric, while the third-place recipient received $500 worth of lace fabric, ensuring recognition and support for multiple deserving students.

FASHION DESIGN COMPETITION

Halston, the American fashion brand known for its elegant styles inspired by the disco era, partnered with IMM Fashion Design students in a unique contest. The collaboration allowed aspiring designers to create environmentally friendly Ultrasuede clothing inspired by Halston’s iconic look, merging sustainability with high-end fashion.

The contest provided students with a chance to explore Ultrasuede, a material recognized for its luxurious feel, resilience, and eco-friendly attributes. The challenge urged students to think creatively about integrating sustainable materials into fashionable designs honoring Halston’s legacy.

The exceptional contestants — Camila Balleste, Ryan Hamilton, and Valentina Arenas — were recognized for their outstanding creativity and skill, each receiving a scholarship and an opportunity to showcase their designs in The Fashion Arts and Illustration Magazine (FIDA). Winning the contest affirmed the students’ talent and introduced them to potential career prospects and industry professionals.

SHOE DESIGN COMPETITION

Six students unveiled their unique heel designs at a special Art Basel 2022 event as part of a design challenge with the renowned Brazilian footwear brand, Alexandre Birman. This collaboration allowed students to merge their creative visions with the brand’s luxurious and contemporary style, resulting in innovative and striking heel designs.

Under the mentorship of Professor Amy Berkowitz and direct guidance from Alexandre Birman’s CEO, the students navigated the entire design process, from concept to final product, gaining invaluable insights into footwear design intricacies. The collaboration ensured that each design met the high standards of the Alexandre Birman brand, combining elegance with functionality.

The Art Basel 2022 event provided a remarkable platform for these aspiring designers, offering significant exposure to industry professionals, art enthusiasts, and fashion connoisseurs. Out of the six exceptional designs, two winners were selected based on their creativity, craftsmanship, and overall impact, earning coveted summer internships at the Alexandre Birman headquarters in Sao Paulo.

FASHION BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Thom Browne partnered with Istituto Marangoni Miami to open their main store in the Design District, offering an invaluable learning experience for fashion students. This collaboration gave students the chance to showcase their skills and gain practical experience, bridging the gap between academic study and industry application.

In preparation for the store’s launch, students took on various creative and strategic tasks, including market research, consumer behavior analysis, and the development of tailored marketing strategies. Their proposals encompassed plans for merchandising, visual displays, and customer engagement tactics, ensuring a successful launch that resonated locally and internationally.

The students’ active involvement in the flagship store launch provided them with real-world insights and mentorship from industry experts, including Thom Browne’s senior executives and retail professionals. This experience gave them a deep understanding of the brand’s philosophy, operational challenges, and the high standards required for success in the retail industry.