Art Basel Miami, a global hub for creativity, witnessed Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) making significant waves, firmly establishing itself as a premier Florida design school. In collaboration with renowned names like Louis Vuitton, Marni, and architect Frank Gehry, IMM hosted a series of events during the 2023 Art Basel Miami, showcasing its commitment to shaping the future of fashion education.
IMM CEO and President, Hakan Baykam, provides insights into the institution’s journey towards becoming a fashion authority in the region.
This year’s Art Basel Miami saw IMM organizing diverse events, including engaging conversations with designer Francisco Costa and sustainability panels with Vogue Brazil and Melissa. A standout moment was the collaboration with rap star Kid Cudi for the Members of the Rage (MOTR) collection, celebrated with a special event at the IMM campus.
«Our events seamlessly blend academic depth with dynamic engagement, reflecting the core of our school’s commitment to Art Basel,» said Baykam.
The collaboration with Kid Cudi’s MOTR collection took center stage, featuring a pop-up at IMM where every purchase contributed to the IMM Scholarship fund.
«IMM aims to redefine fashion and luxury, and Kid Cudi’s modern vision perfectly aligns with our mission to inspire students to challenge conventions,» added Baykam.
Despite its recent establishment, IMM has flourished, experiencing a 50% increase in new students and a 44% rise in faculty members from 2021 to 2023.
«Our efforts position IMM as a transformative force, shaping Miami’s perception in the fashion and design realm. We have played a pivotal role in establishing Miami as a fashion destination,» emphasized Baykam.
With graduates making a mark at LVMH and an expanding program portfolio, IMM stands out as a transformative force in fashion education.
«Our emphasis on outstanding design and business professionalism addresses a key challenge faced by global fashion schools. Our educators, industry-seasoned professionals, understand the nuances faced by designers and creatives,» noted Baykam.
A recent competition with Brazilian shoe legend Alexandre Birman showcased the dynamic student experience. This connection emphasizes IMM’s strong ties to the South American luxury design market, with 50% of students originating from Latin American countries.
«Miami’s energy, especially from the Latin American community, inspired the establishment of IMM in this city. With 80% of our student body being international, we create a vibrant blend of cultures within our classrooms,» shared Baykam.
As IMM expands its programs and embraces Miami’s cultural diversity, it continues to thrive as a leading institution in arts and design education.
