Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni is a private fashion, art, and design school founded in Milan in 1935 by master tailor Giulio Marangoni. With campuses in Milan, Florence, London, Paris, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Mumbai, Miami, and Dubai, the institute offers diverse programs in fashion design, styling, business, interior and product design, visual design, multimedia art, and art curating. Recognised for its strong industry connections and emphasis on practical experience, Istituto Marangoni boasts a high graduate employability rate, reflecting its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the creative industries.

Established in 1935 in Milan by Giulio Marangoni, a master tailor celebrated for his creations admired by the Italian aristocracy, Istituto Marangoni began as the 'Istituto Artistico dell'Abbigliamento Marangoni.' Initially focusing on training pattern makers and seamstresses, the institute evolved over the decades to encompass broader aspects of fashion education.
 

In the 1970s and 1980s, responding to the dynamic changes in the fashion industry, Istituto Marangoni expanded its curriculum to include fashion design, product development, and marketing. This shift marked its transformation into a comprehensive fashion education institution, aligning with the industry's growing complexity and global reach.
 

The institute's international expansion began in 2003 with the opening of a campus in London, followed by Paris in 2006. These campuses allowed Istituto Marangoni to cater to a diverse student body and establish a presence in key fashion capitals.
 

Further growth saw the establishment of campuses in Shanghai (2013), Shenzhen (2016), Florence (2016), Mumbai (2017), Miami (2018), and Dubai (2022). Each location was strategically chosen to immerse students in vibrant cultural and fashion hubs, enhancing their educational experience.
 

In 2011, Istituto Marangoni was acquired by Providence Equity Partners, a move that facilitated further development and consolidation of its global presence. By 2016, the institute had approximately 4,000 students from 106 nationalities across its campuses.
 

Recognized for its excellence in fashion education, Istituto Marangoni has consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, reflecting its commitment to nurturing creative talent and adapting to the evolving demands of the fashion industry.

Istituto Marangoni offers comprehensive programs designed to equip students with the skills required in today's creative industries. The curriculum spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses across disciplines.

Undergraduate programs include Bachelor's degrees in Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Business, Fragrances and Cosmetics, Interior Design, Product Design, Visual Design, Multimedia Art, and Art Curating and Management. These programs are structured to provide foundational knowledge and practical experience. Postgraduate offerings encompass Master's degrees in similar fields, focusing on advanced concepts and industry-specific skills. These programs are tailored for students seeking to deepen their expertise and enhance their professional prospects.

Study methods in Fashion Design are oriented towards professionalism, industry demands, and a fine balance of design functionality and aesthetics. From day one, participants find themselves immersed in the fashion system and fashion design methodology, incorporating key trends with bicultural aesthetics and new consumer voices influencing style. Depending on their chosen level of study, participants work on in-depth analysis of  or accessories manufacturing, or the language of couture construction versus ready to wear. They progress through stages of the design process from fashion illustration, pattern making, pattern cutting, construction or prototyping, right through to the finished garment or product.

Style and innovation, responding to new consumer voices and the bicultural world we live in are all key values of Istituto Marangoni study methods, and paramount to the creative world of Fashion Styling. All courses investigate how to make a connection through image, express a story and emotion through style, and propose the most innovative ideas in fashion. Depending on their chosen level of study, participants work on developing their own style portfolio, incorporating photography and a creative vision with visual methods of expression. They investigate new trends in the industry such as AI, extended intelligence, and new ways of communicating in a digital age alongside photo shoot preparation and management

The business of fashion for Istituto Marangoni means being on par with industry developments, on key with the latest issues in the business, and consistently on top of the latest market requests. Depending on their chosen level of study, participants work on developing key business acumen, from luxury brand management, buying and merchandising, through to marketing, promotion and start-up to name just a few. Subjects including Phygital retail, the fusion of digital and in-store shopping experiences, algorithms defining style, and sustainability are also skills fundamental to today’s successful fashion business graduate. 

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Short courses and intensive programs are available for individuals aiming to acquire specific skills or explore new areas within fashion and design. These courses offer flexibility and are often designed to accommodate working professionals. The institute emphasizes a blend of theoretical instruction and practical application, ensuring students engage with real-world projects and industry collaborations. This approach fosters a learning environment that mirrors the professional landscape.

Istituto Marangoni also integrates emerging technologies and contemporary practices into its curriculum, preparing students to navigate and contribute to the rapidly evolving creative sectors. In addition to a variety of long and short courses in fashion and design, the new Firenze school runs an intense art-oriented programme, encompassing History of Art, Art Management and Visual Multimedia Arts.

Simona Ironico (Ph.D. in Marketing and Business Communication) leads the Fashion Business courses. The Faculty at Istituto Marangoni includes prominent figures from the academic sector and also business strategy and communication experts thanks to their deep connection with the industry, including Anna Zinola, Davide Jabes, Valeria Volponi, Dario Golizia, Angelo Ruggeri, Benedetta Breschi.

Its mission to empower talent in fashion, art and design is based on:
• an extensive and detailed educational portfolio that is constantly updated to match industry demands and evolution;
• achieving the highest academic standards with modern, results-oriented curricula;
• integrating ‘Italianness’ into students' experience on a daily basis through both curricula and the School experience;
• supporting and developing the potential of our teaching and administrative staff through constant and thorough training;
• placing Istituto Marangoni at the centre of Fashion, Art and Design cultures, through select locations in the world’s capitals of culture, while further strengthening historical and more recent connections with the most important companies and personalities in Fashion, Art and Design.

Istituto Marangoni is ranked among the top 100 universities globally in the field of Art and Design, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2025. Specifically, it holds a position within the 51–100 range, reflecting its strong reputation in creative education . This ranking underscores Istituto Marangoni's status as a leading institution in fashion, art, and design education. It is noteworthy that the QS rankings do not have a separate category for fashion education; thus, Istituto Marangoni's inclusion in the Art and Design category highlights its comprehensive approach to creative disciplines .

Over the past few years, Istituto Marangoni has consistently improved its position in these rankings, moving from the 151–200 range in 2020 to the 51–100 range in 2025 . This upward trajectory reflects the institution's commitment to excellence and innovation in the creative education sector. With campuses in major fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, London, Dubai, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Miami, Istituto Marangoni continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fashion and design education globally.

Istituto Marangoni boasts a strong track record in graduate employability, with a reported group-wide increase in the employability rate from 89% to 91% in recent years. Notably, the London campus achieved a remarkable 96% employability rate, underscoring the institute's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.

The institute's dedicated career services and extensive industry network play a pivotal role in facilitating job placements and internships for graduates. By maintaining close ties with leading companies in fashion, design, and related fields, Istituto Marangoni ensures that students have access to valuable opportunities that align with their career aspirations.

The I'M Alumni Community marks another significant Milestone as Alumni Dario Vitale and Francesca Nicoletti step into prominent leadership roles. With Dario Vitale at the helm of Versace and Francesca Nicoletti shaping the future of Miu Miu, the Alumni continue to leave an indelible mark on the Global Fashion and luxury landscape, further confirming Istituto Marangoni's commitment to training the professionals of tomorrow.

After graduating from the Fashion Design Bachelor's Degree Course, Dario Vitale has built an impressive career defined by creativity, technical expertise, and respect for fashion heritage. After graduating in 2006, he gained experience at Dsquared2 and Bottega Veneta before joining Prada Group in 2010. At Miu Miu, he worked alongside Miuccia Prada and Fabio Zambernardi, rising through the ranks to become Design Director of RTW and Brand Image Director in 2023. Dario’s appointment at the helm of Prada comes at a transformative time for Versace, following Donatella Versace’s transition to Chief Brand Ambassador. 

Vitale's exit from Miu Miu in January 2025 also led to the promotion of Francesca Nicoletti, I’M Alumna of the three-year Bachelor's Degree Course in Fashion Design. After joining Prada Group in 2010, Francesca quickly climbed the ranks working with Dario Vitale. Now, as Deputy Design Director of RTW, she plays a key role in maintaining the brand’s creative vision while bringing her own unique perspective. 

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13.  L’Institut Marangoni vendu au groupe américain Providence (in French). 
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