Italian Design Arrives At Miami’s Design District

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Class Act: Istituto Marangoni

Miami is already recognized as an international hub for the arts, but earlier this year that reputation was reinforced with the opening of Istituto Marangoni, a leading Italian fashion, art and design school–think of it as the Parsons of Italy–in Miami’s Design District. This location marks the school’s first U.S.-based campus and its 10th outpost worldwide. “Bringing Istituto Marangoni to the Americas satisfies a long-term vision to support and develop youth interested in fashion and design from all over the word,” says Roberto Riccio, chief executive officer of Istituto Marangoni Group. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to give emerging talent in the Americas a platform to hone their skills and realize their true potential in the industry.” The school’s structure, an abandoned 1920s building commonly referred to as The Billboard Building, is a work of art. The interiors were designed by Studiokhom, while Shulman + Associates enhanced the architecture by adding a new tower to the existing framework, artfully juxtaposing the ornate stucco facade of the original building with the transparent, scenographic qualities of the new addition. “The billboard became the generator of the design, wrapping the structure,” says Allan Shulman, principal at Shulman + Associates. Today, the site’s main highway-facing facade showcases a rotating series of art installations. The Miami campus offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling and Fashion Business; Associates of Arts degrees in Fashion Studies; and a master’s degree in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management.

PHOTOS: EMILIO COLLAVINO