Istituto Marangoni Miami opened its doors to Miami’s creative community at the Palm Court in the Miami Design District for Volare, its annual fashion show held on May 16th. The night celebrated the students—their talent, determination, and the unique visions finally coming to life on the runway.
Now in its second year, Volare brought fresh energy and focus to the school’s mission of spotlighting rising talent. The final collections presented by 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 stood as a testament to months of hard work and personal growth. Each piece told its own story, showcasing the bold, thoughtful creativity of these emerging designers.
“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.
Top model Karolína Kurková, a long-time supporter of Istituto Marangoni Miami and a member of the IMM Advisory Board, brought the runway to a breathtaking close at the Volare fashion show. She wore a one-of-a-kind vintage wig, tailor-made by the legendary hairstylist Antoni Cierplikowski, also known as “Antoine de Paris,” for the iconic Josephine Baker in the 1920s. This prestigious piece was generously loaned by the Parodi Costume Collection, having been carefully preserved and never worn again since its creation. Kurková complemented the historic headpiece with a custom design by fashion student Ilayda Polat, creating a powerful symbol of lineage—past, present, and future converging in one breath.
Some collections were illuminated by Swarovski crystals, worn with confidence and elegance by Emilia Mourier, Mariana Jimenez, and Nina Talpe. Their work added a delicate shine, a detail that elevated their garments with subtle glamour.
“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 spirit of Volare—which means “to fly”—captured the students’ readiness to soar, to carve their own paths in the fashion world. It served as a moment of lift-off—a visible beginning to careers just taking shape.
Alongside the celebration of creativity came a heartfelt commitment to the future of fashion in Miami: the launch of the IMM x Miami Design District Scholarship Fund. This new initiative—created in partnership with the Miami Design District—offers a full tuition scholarship, valued at $162,300, to a Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) graduate pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design.
“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 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 through the IMM website, and 100% of ticket sales from this year’s show went directly into the fund—a true gesture of belief and support for Miami’s future creatives.
The Miami Symphony Orchestra’s live performance added a powerful layer of emotion to the evening, heightening the atmosphere and underscoring the importance of the moment. In blending fashion with music, design, and philanthropy, Volare continues to evolve beyond a runway presentation—it’s becoming a cultural fixture.
As Miami continues to define itself as a global center for creativity, Istituto Marangoni Miami is making it clear that it’s not only cultivating top talent but creating space for those talents to rise—with purpose, support, and vision.
For more information about the Volare fashion show and the IMM x MDD Scholarship Fund, please visit: https://www.istitutomarangonimiami.com/tuition-and-scholarship/scholarships/mdd-x-imm-scholarship-page/