Nelson Mandela’s quote, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” emphasizes the critical role of providing knowledge in transforming society.
In this way, education is not just about learning specific skills. It is also about developing a broader perspective and understanding of the world.
It is undeniable that education is the basis for any practical result, whether in fashion or other industries. At the Paris Business Mission, we visited Istituto Marangoni and saw firsthand their work in building new talents for the industry. Keep reading!
A Historical Perspective
According to the article “Fashion Education for the future: sustainable development in social, economic, environmental, cultural and geographic dimensions,” fashion education began in Europe in the late nineteenth century “when population growth and new technologies increased the demands on the textile industry.”
The publishing article by USP also states that “given the context of fashion education, it is understood that academic and empirical research are fundamental to the expansion of knowledge within this area.”
By providing education, it is possible to raise awareness about the fashion industry’s environmental and societal impact. Educating people about the issues can make them more conscious consumers and demand more sustainable and ethical fashion products.
In addition, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry by developing new skills and knowledge and creating positive change. In this way, education can create new opportunities for people in the fashion industry, especially new talents.
Istituto Marangoni Paris
With its long-standing reputation for promoting and shaping young talent in fashion, Istituto Marangoni Paris recognizes the importance of education supported by top-notch tutors, an international community of fashion & design alumni.
The fashion industry can foster collaboration among stakeholders, including designers, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers, through education. Bringing these groups together can create a more sustainable and ethical fashion ecosystem.
As the Postgraduate Programme Leader at Istituto Marangoni Paris Massimo Casagrande says, “Istituto Marangoni is a bridge between the academic and professional world, and we aim to provide talents and solutions to the industry, focusing on their needs and through industry projects with our students.”
Working directly with the industry on real-life projects, the students get to create a network of professional contacts and experience the reality of the fashion industry.
Check out our interview with Massimo Casagrande to discover his valuable insights
Júlia Dara: Can you provide information about the educational initiatives offered by Istituto Marangoni Paris to support the fashion industry?
Massimo Casagrande: Istituto Marangoni has a long history of promoting and shaping young talent in fashion, design and art. It has been the school’s mission for almost a century to provide superior education supported by top-notch tutors, an international community of fashion & design alumni, and inspiring collaborations with leading global brands.
Istituto Marangoni is a bridge between the academic and professional world, and our aim is to provide talents and solutions to the industry, focusing on their needs and through industry projects with our students, they are exposed to future talents but also gain an insight into how a new generation is approaching and viewing the industry.
Through these collaborations, our students have a consultancy role and offer solutions to the pain points of certain brands. Working directly with the industry on real-life projects, the students get to create a network of professional contacts and experience the reality of the fashion industry.
Júlia Dara: From your point of view, what are the biggest current problems in the industry and how can education intervene in them?
Massimo Casagrande: Environmental and inclusivity issues are at the forefront of fashion. We have seen a shift in consumer behaviors and demands, especially from the younger generations (millennials & gen z), who are constantly becoming more vocal about these issues and are demanding a change in the fashion system.
Istituto Marangoni has been a pioneer since 1935 in capturing, understanding, and responding to the ever-changing needs within the fashion system and society. It’s about action and consequence. How can our actions have a less impactful consequence on the environment? How can we be inclusive and ensure that everyone is represented in fashion?
Creating responsible designers and entrepreneurs is our goal. We at Istituto Marangoni have implemented sustainability, responsible design, and digital innovation within our curricula, thus helping to create a new generation of responsible designers and entrepreneurs.
Júlia Dara: How so?
Massimo Casagrande: Before thinking about the final item, we ask the student to think about what might be the second, third, or fourth life of the garment once it has been worn and discarded by the consumer. Where does the fabric, the yarn come from? Was it harvested ethically? Is it recyclable?
Through technology and software, we create virtual prototypes, therefore, there is no waste or useless consumption of the fabric.
Júlia Dara: Tell us more about the technology intervention in fashion education.
Massimo Casagrande: We also manage to propose color variations for the various models and create virtual lookbooks. Another example is responsible communication and a way to prevent carbon emissions and unnecessary travel.
Inside our Fashion Styling & Creative Direction course, Jacopo Cozzi, Programme Leader of Fashion Styling, uses software called Unreal Engine, which allows us to create environments and places virtual places.
Therefore, the student photographs the actual garment on a model, and then it is placed in a digital environment. Thus creating a mix between real and virtual, a truly immersive and innovative experience.
Júlia Dara: What are the expectations for the future of fashion in France from a sustainable perspective?
Massimo Casagrande: France is the birth home of fashion and luxury and has always been at the forefront of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship without losing sight of its rich heritage and history.
French fashion is constantly evolving and aligning with contemporary issues and helping to shape the future of fashion. We are seeing how traditional artisanal techniques and crafts are being complimented by technological advances while at the same time maintaining the human aspect of handmade handcrafted.
France has always been an inclusive society and is historically the country with the most female entrepreneurs who have shaped the industry, such as Madame Clicquot, Coco Chanel, Jeanne Toussaint, Director of Fine Jewelry at Cartier, Agnes B and Marine Serre to name a few.
The Paris Business Mission Group Experience at Istituto Marangoni Paris
The Paris Business Mission group recently visited Istituto Marangoni Paris, where we were welcome by Adi Maoz and the team. We took a lesson on Web 3.0 and the metaverse taught by Jacopo Cozzi.
The group enjoyed Cozzi’s teaching approach and appreciated learning about the metaverse’s operations firsthand. The depths of the metaverse’s complexity and its potential impact on internet development were discussed in class.
Even the most complex subjects were understandable to the group thanks to Cozzi’s engaging teaching approach.
The presentation thoroughly overviewed the metaverse and covered how it might affect the fashion industry. After the instruction, the group was given a tour of the building, where they saw students using their newly acquired abilities.
A variety of courses in fashion, design, and luxury brand management are available at Istituto Marangoni Paris. These courses combine theoretical knowledge with practical training to give students an all-encompassing education in the field. Learn more here.
Don’t forget to read next: Exploring Le BHV Marais in the Heart of Paris.
