Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, recently attended a unique talent show at the iconic Museum of the Future (MOTF), which served as the Middle Eastern debut of the Italian fashion and design institute Istituto Marangoni.
The ground-breaking idea combined a real-world fashion show at the MOTF with virtual catwalks in the metaverse to display the works of five of the best fashion design students from Istituto Marangoni. Avatars of real-life models joined them on the catwalk, creating a unique event where tradition and innovation coexisted with reality and virtual reality.
Sheikha Latifa said, ” The branch of Istituto Marangoni in Dubai is an essential contribution to the city’s constantly evolving creative and cultural scene. Thanks to its vast portfolio, the region’s and Dubai’s creatives will have access to the tools they need to start their design careers”.
She added, “Bringing international organizations with decades of design experience to the area strengthens our dedication to the industry and to be a centre of culture and creativity. We eagerly anticipate the outstanding talent the Dubai-based institute is going to produce in the coming years.”
Stefania Valenti, managing director of Istituto Marangoni, said, “It’s an honour to celebrate the opening of Istituto Marangoni Dubai at the Museum of the Future with the warm endorsement of [Sheikha Latifa] and [Noura Al Kaabi], and in this museum where our immersive experience found its perfect space. With this opening, Dubai joins the global fashion hubs that also house an Istituto Marangoni school, including Milan, Firenze, Paris, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Miami. Students will develop the skills and turn their passion and talent into successful careers”.
The top five fashion design graduates from Istituto Marangoni’s Milan, Florence, Paris, London, and Shanghai displayed their creations on the ramp. Rahul Mishra, a former student of Istituto Marangoni, demonstrated his creations in the programme’s grand finale. He was the first Indian designer to exhibit at Paris Haute Couture Week. He paid tribute to his alma school by showcasing some of his works at the ramp, combining Indian motifs with luxury fashion trends using a sustainable, ethical slow fashion approach.