FROM PLAYGROUND TO POWERHOUSE: THE MAKING OF MIAMI’S NEW STYLE CAPITAL.
WRITTEN BY: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
Miami a city long defined by a certain sun-drenched, ephemeral glamour, is undergoing a profound dénouement. It is a brilliant moment when a vibrant, almost kinetic energy is being channeled into a lasting, historical bedrock. The city is shedding its image as a mere playground and emerging as a serious contender on the global stage, and at the very heart of this stylistic awakening is Istituto Marangoni Miami. This dynamic nucleus is fostering a new generation of design talent and meticulously crafting the very fabric of Miami’s burgeoning fashion identity. The story of this institution begins not in the palms of South Beach, but in the hallowed sartorial ground of Milan, Italy. Founded in 1935 by tailor Giulio Marangoni, the school was born with the explicit purpose of training professionals to elevate Italian fashion to its rightful place on the world stage. From that genesis, it blossomed into an international player, establishing schools in global fashion epicenters like Paris, London, Shanghai, and Florence. This is the deep, rich legacy that now finds its brilliant new expression in Miami.
At the helm of this compelling venture is CEO and President Hakan Baykam, a visionary who articulates a mission both elegant and ambitious. “We’re not just training designers,” he declares, “we’re cultivating a new generation of conscious creatives who will influence how Miami dresses, thinks, and expresses itself through style.” Baykam highlights the beautiful synergy at play, stating, “Italian style is recognized worldwide for its clean tailoring, clever design, and perfect balance between tradition and modernity. When you introduce those principles into Miami’s cultural melting pot, you get something truly dynamic.” His is not simply a business plan but a blueprint for a sophisticated future, one that embeds a deep understanding of sustainability and global commerce into the city’s creative DNA. Baykam also believes that for Miami to truly take its place among the established capitals, a formidable infrastructure is paramount. “This means building more fashion-focused platforms—from trade shows and fashion weeks with international reach, to innovation hubs that support emerging designers,” he asserts, outlining the tangible architecture of the city’s ascent. He sees the school not as a passive observer, but as a devoted catalyst, actively shaping a city where fashion is not just a fleeting moment but a profound and lasting conversation.
Baykam emphasizes that this is a holistic approach, where the curriculum is imbued with a forward-thinking ethos. “For us, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s the new baseline for excellence in fashion,” he states, underscoring the school’s commitment to responsible innovation and design. Students are exploring cutting-edge materials and regenerative design, ensuring that Miami’s style is grounded in a deep sense of purpose and foresight. The decision to establish the first U.S. campus in Miami was a deliberate one. As Baykam explains, the city possessed an “international allure” and a fervent energy in its art and design scenes, but it lacked a firmly established fashion school. This created a unique opportunity to build a new fashion hub, leveraging Miami’s vibrant culture and its strategic gateway to Latin America.
Lending a crucial measure of gravitas to this endeavor is Dean of Fashion Programs Mario Braghieri, who brings a wealth of international experience to the institution. His perspective is indispensable in shaping a curriculum that elegantly balances the revered traditions of Milanese craftsmanship with the unique, kinetic energy of Miami. “What I think we’ve brought here from Europe is credibility,” Braghieri states, his words resonating with the weight of that legacy. This credibility is vital in stemming the tide of local talent who might once have sought opportunities elsewhere. “Now Florida has a top-notch fashion education campus, so students don’t have to move away anymore to study fashion at the highest level,” he emphasizes, a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and retaining Miami’s creative capital.
The school’s philosophy is rooted in a rich, hands-on methodology. Its curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a “realistic working experience,” ensuring that graduates are not only creatively adept but also truly industry-ready. This emphasis on practical application and real-world projects—guided by seasoned professionals who bring the raw energy of the atelier directly into the classroom—is nothing short of a philosophy. The result is a student body prepared to innovate and execute from day one. Braghieri proudly notes that the level of opportunity afforded to each student is “literally unparalleled in my experience,” fostering an environment where every aspiring designer has a genuine chance to flourish. This rigorous educational foundation is bolstered by a formidable advisory board, a constellation of talent that serves as a compass for the school’s direction. It includes names like supermodel Karolina Kurkova, whose career provides unparalleled insight into brand image and global trends; Maria Buccellati, Co-Founder of Faith Connexion, a veritable bastion of contemporary cool who offers expertise in brand ambassadorship; and Carlo D’Amario, the former CEO and President of Vivienne Westwood, who lends his crucial knowledge of the luxury market’s storied legacies and Lifestyles very own Fashion Director Denisa Palsha. Their collective expertise ensures the school’s curriculum and strategic direction are always aligned with the highest standards of the global fashion industry.
Braghieri’s vision extends well beyond the classroom, weaving itself into the very fabric of the city. He is deeply invested in fostering a comprehensive fashion ecosystem within Miami, one where creative talent is seamlessly connected with production capabilities and entrepreneurial opportunities. “Our dream is to make Miami the next US fashion hub by building a complete ecosystem right here, so our graduates can build successful careers without having to leave,” he passionately explains. The presence of influential celebrities has long contributed to the city’s effervescent magic, but institutions like Istituto Marangoni Miami are now providing the deep-rooted infrastructure to turn that star power into a lasting cultural legacy.
“WE’RE NOT JUST TRAINING DESIGNERS, WE’RE CULTIVATING A NEW GENERATION OF CONSCIOUS CREATIVES WHO WILL INFLUENCE HOW MIAMI DRESSES, THINKS, AND EXPRESSES ITSELF THROUGH STYLE.” — HAKAN BAYKAM