Istituto Marangoni's Miami arts and design presence propelled by Art Basel Miami

Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) enhanced its arts and design reputation through Art Basel Miami By Roxanne Robinson Published Dec 12, 2023 

Those who frequently visit Art Basel Miami are aware of the multifaceted nature of the event. Not only does it involve the art scene, but it also brings together elements of fashion, music, and various design mediums. 

During the past week, the event hosted luxury and design brands such as Louis Vuitton, Marni, Ssense, and AnOnlyChild, in addition to renowned architect Frank Gehry, galleries Gagosian, and Jeffrey Deitch. 

House of Creed, a luxury fragrance maker, also had a presence at the event. Given this scenario, it's not surprising that Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) was actively involved. As the only designated Florida design school, IMM organized several events and programs to increase its influence. 

This Miami branch of the Milan-based design school opened in 2018 and has been persevering to establish itself as a fashion authority in the region. We had the chance to speak with IMM CEO and president Hakan Baykam about the institute's ongoing progress. During the 2023 Art Basel Miami, IMM organized various events, including a discussion with designer Francisco Costa about his latest book, a panel on sustainability and innovation hosted by Vogue Brazil and jelly shoe brand Melissa, and a cocktail event with Kartell to announce its 2024 Design Competition.

 The school also marked the opening of Kid Cudi's Members of the Rage pop-up shop in collaboration with The Webster. Baykam expresses that the school's aim for the event was crafting something extraordinary. He was most excited by this year's edition of Basel. He said, 'All our events included substantial academic content and learning experiences. We had dynamic involvement from brands, artists, and media partners that facilitated engaging conversations and represented our school's participation with Art Basel.' 

This harmonious collaboration was evident in the lineup of the event, particularly the new Members of the Rage (MOTR) collection started by Kid Cudi. MOTR hosted its first pop-up at the school, with all sales benefiting the IMM Scholarship fund. The school's ambition is to redefine fashion and luxury. 

Kid Cudi's contemporary vision represents the inspiration they seek to infuse into their students – that of pushing boundaries and challenging norms. 

The Webster also dedicated a window display to Mescudi's inaugural clothing line. A panel discussion that included the rapper, Laure Hériard Dubreuil of The Webster, and Keanan Duffty, fashion designer, author, musician, and Marangoni's dean of fashion, attracted many students and attendees. 

Mescudi was awarded an honorary master's degree in fashion from IMM, one of its main programs. Even though the school opened just before the pandemic, it has made significant strides over the last couple of years. According to Baykam, this prompted the comprehensive Art Basel program this year. 'We witnessed a rise of 50% in new students, a 44% growth in faculty members, and an impressive 75% increase in active classes from 2021 to 2023,' he stated. 

'We also got approval for four new interior design programs starting in early 2024, such as the Master in Fashion Design, Master in Fine Arts in Interior Design, and the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. With the school's impressive progress despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, Baykam is confident in IMM's significant impact on Miami's fashion and design perception. He believes that Miami is being recognized as a fashion destination extending beyond retail, thanks to IMM. Baykam acknowledges that graduates are working with LVMH brands, including Tiffany and Dolce & Gabbana, among others. The IMM experience emphasizes the changing role of the creative director in fashion, which is more than just marketing-focused. He concludes, 'We stress the importance of students being superior designers and business professionals. Our instructors, experienced in their fields, understand the challenges of designers and creatives because they work in the industry. We engage our students in competitions and industry projects, furnishing them for the dynamic landscape they will encounter.'