On December 2, 2024, Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) and Italian designer Sara Battaglia debuted the ‘Red Collar’ shirt capsule at Miami Art Week. This initiative uses fashion to raise global awareness about gender-based violence. The exclusive event drew prominent figures, including Sara Battaglia (Designer), Hakan Baykam (IMM President and CEO), Eva Hughes (IMM Executive Vice President), Elizabeth Sulcer (Celebrity Stylist), Carmen Busquets (Entrepreneur), Clementine Desseaux (Model), Angeles Almuna (Founder of Fashion Strikes Cancer), Andrea Minski (TV Personality), and ilMuretto (DJ).
The highlight of the evening was an auction featuring a Swarovski-embellished ‘Red Collar’ shirt, designed by Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Creative Director of Swarovski. Embroidered with 3,000 red crystals, it sold for $500 USD. Additional designs by IMM students and creatives like Rossy de Palma, Lola Schnabel, and Elizabeth Sulcer were showcased. These pieces, symbolizing resilience and renewal, will remain on display through December at IMM.
All proceeds generated from the auction will benefit Istituto Marangoni Miami’s scholarship fund, which aids talented and underprivileged students seeking education and career advancement opportunities in The Miami School of Fashion and Design.
Hakan Baykam, President and CEO of Istituto Marangoni Miami, said, “We are honored to partner with Sara Battaglia on this powerful initiative to raise awareness about domestic abuse. This collaboration not only speaks out against violence but also offers our students an opportunity to engage with an issue of profound importance through fashion.”
Sara Battaglia said, “The Red Collar project is an emblem of education, solidarity, and rebirth. By collaborating with Istituto Marangoni Miami, we’re empowering the next generation of designers to use fashion as a platform for meaningful change, while supporting women who are on their own journey of renewal.”
Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Creative Director of Swarovski, said, “The Red Collar project is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and craftsmanship. This special edition red collar shirt, adorned with 3,000 red Swarovski crystals, is more than a statement piece, it’s a symbol of resilience, strength, and hope. By supporting this auction, we not only celebrate the artistry of women but also contribute to rebuilding lives affected by gender-based violence. I’m honored to collaborate with Sara Battaglia and these extraordinary women for such an important cause.”
Collectively, the ‘Red Collar’ capsule stands as a bold and resonant statement, asserting that fashion can serve as both a means of creative expression and a powerful instrument for positive social change. Through this initiative, Istituto Marangoni Miami and Sara Battaglia invite the global community to join in celebrating the resilience of women and to champion the vital importance of confronting and eradicating gender-based violence worldwide.
