Focusing on the theme of ‘illusion’, the show was born out of the realisation that before the pandemic we were living in a kind of dream, a bubble. We could have everything, we could do everything at any time, and then, when the pandemic came, everything stopped. We were so busy ‘doing’ that being forced into ‘being’ was a big struggle. As a result, the post-pandemic landscape became a jump-off point for realness, keeping alive a sense of hope, moments of renewal, self-observation, and observation of the world, where restoring traditions and connection became essential key elements in the new order. This was underscored by the intuition that, now, more than ever, embracing those characteristics is essential while navigating the complex world of the fast speed of a digitally advancing age.
The collections and the journey of the students through them are a kaleidoscopic view of the world now, the way they see, and feel in the new world. The feeling of uncertainty, unfinishedness, and rawness alongside the subtle beauty of imperfection, open possibilities.
Speaking about the virtual showcase, Mr. Tarun Pandey, COO – Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai said, “Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s 2023 student fashion showcase – Maya – spotlights the creativity of our fashion design students through their 19 collections. These are the result of a reflection by each designer on the unprecedented couple of years that the fashion industry has gone. The collections by these talented students are filtered through and influenced by the unique point of view and brand-new expressive language of Gen-Z, to which our students belong.
Student collections not only celebrated their personal and professional growth at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai but also embraced the concept of ‘Maya’, as described above. There was a total of 19 students showcasing their collections at the show. Also, for the very first time ever, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s students also presented the work that they had done as part of an industry collaboration with UPKVIB called, ‘Project Khadi’, which brought to life creations made from India’s indigenous and traditional textile heritage of the handloomed fabric, Khadi.
Talking about the show and the level of fresh talent, Mevin Murden, Director of Education – Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai said, “year after year we are really shaping the identity of the Mumbai school, now recognised within the group for students’ exploration of India’s rich heritage of crafts which becomes very evident in the collections. This is what we wanted to highlight this year during the show, so the focus could be really about the meticulously crafted garments.”
Thousands of fashion enthusiasts wake up every day with the dream of studying fashion in Italy and getting a job in fashion. For many, however, this dream becomes almost a nightmare as soon as they begin the job search process as the fashion industry seems very close, and entering it looks almost an impossible challenge, especially with no experience. But it is absolutely possible to start your career in fashion with the right training and guidance. Everyone did it: the most famous designers, stylists, photographers, buyers … everyone started their career with a short resume. But some good institutes educated them. The collection “Maya” didn’t only reflect fashion student’s skills but the finishing of garments was equally promising. Instituto Marangoni alumni of the school include Franco Moschino, Domenico Dolce, Alessandro Facchinetti, Julie de Libran, Mèlusine Ruspoli, Rahul Mishra, Dhruv Kapoor, Rafael Lopez, Alessandro Sartori and many fashion experts working in the corporate sectors of fashion.
