Located in Dubai’s DIFC, fashion school Istituto Marangoni Dubai is carving out a space for the region’s next generation of fashion and design leaders.
Helmed by Director Roberto La Iacona, the school brings together Italian heritage, global industry insight, and regional creativity to offer a truly international learning environment.
With specialised programmes spanning fashion design, fashion business, interior design and beyond, the institute is equipped with modern facilities and a faculty of international experts who combine academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience. As part of its growing vision, the school is introducing a new roster of mentors — influential names across fashion, design, and innovation — to offer students personalised guidance and access to real-world perspectives.
As the latest panel of mentors are announced, Roberto La Iacona shares how Istituto Marangoni is fostering emerging talent in the UAE and why mentorship is becoming an essential pillar of creative education today.
How does the 2024/2025 Mentorship Program at Istituto Marangoni Dubai aim to shape the next generation of creative leaders, and what role do industry mentors play in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world experience?
Istituto Marangoni is proud to have once again welcomed leading global experts to mentor its students this year. Our students had the opportunity to work with top-tier designers, creatives, and business leaders such as Ross Lovegrove, Heliot Emil, Luca Finotti, and Ingie Chalhoub.
Connecting students with the industry and developing dedicated partnership projects is essential. These mentors not only bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience but also push creative boundaries and offer students fresh perspectives. This ensures that our students are equipped with the skills, vision, and networks they need to thrive in their future careers.
What can you tell us about the vision for Istituto Marangoni?
At Istituto Marangoni Dubai, we aspire to be a leading academic institution in fashion, art, and design, both in the UAE and across the region. Our goal is to be a driver of innovation in education by encouraging collaboration between creative disciplines and integrating new technologies. We’re committed to delivering high-quality education that combines innovative learning methods with Italian design expertise. This approach helps us nurture local talent and contribute to shaping the future of the creative industries in the UAE. We also place great importance on building strong connections with the local community and industry leaders, ensuring that our graduates are well-supported in launching successful careers.
Can you share a little on the talent you see here and the potential for nurturing this talent?
The Middle East is a region rich in history and culture. Our mission is to nurture talent and empower creatives to preserve these exquisite aesthetic traditions while designing for a global audience. Our goal is to serve as a hub and platform for all aspiring creatives in the region who are passionate about the arts and design. Istituto Marangoni is committed to supporting them on their journey and helping them become the creative leaders of tomorrow.
What can you tell us about some of the programmes the school offers?
Aside from the Bachelor’s degrees in Visual Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Product Design, Fashion Communication, and Fashion Management (offered in two concentrations: Digital Communication & Media and Fragrances & Cosmetics), the university has recently validated two Master’s degrees—one in Fashion & Luxury Brand Management and the other in Interior Design. These programs are designed to address the growing demand for talent in these two key disciplines within the region.
In addition to its degree programs, Istituto Marangoni Dubai also offers short courses, intensive courses (for students seeking a career shift), and professional courses. As part of a global strategy, Istituto Marangoni Dubai recently launched an intensive course in Product Management for Fragrances & Cosmetics, as well as a professional course in Interior Design for Luxury Hospitality, Wellness, and Retail. These initiatives aim to meet the market demand for upskilling and reskilling talent in the region.
From a global perspective, how do you think students entering the school are offered better opportunities, with it being an international school?
The unique offering at Istituto Marangoni allows students to study at an institution ranked globally among the QS Top 100 for Art and Design, right here in Dubai, while benefiting from strong connections with major local and international industry players. In addition, students can choose to complete their degree entirely in Dubai or transfer to other Istituto Marangoni campuses in Milan, Florence, Paris, or London. This presents a unique opportunity for young talents to experience one or several of the world’s fashion, art, and design capitals. Our globally diverse faculty in Dubai is further enriched by top professionals flying in from other Istituto Marangoni locations worldwide, offering students a truly international and forward-looking perspective.
How do you feel collaborations and events help to elevate students’ experience, and is this something we can expect to see more of?
At Istituto Marangoni, we believe that collaborations and events are essential to enriching students’ experiences. We are proud to participate in major events both locally and internationally, such as Downtown Design in Dubai and Milan Design Week. The institution has also hosted swap events to promote a more sustainable approach to fashion and organised several panel talks featuring international designers, creatives, and thought leaders.
In addition, students work with mentors and participate annually in local and international competitions and industry events, such as Breaking Boundaries with Richemont, where IM Dubai students won first prize this year, as well as Women@Dior, and many others.
Starting from their first year at Istituto Marangoni, students gain exposure to the industry through didactic projects, where they work on real-life briefs and deliver projects directly to industry partners, as well as through field visits and seminars led by key stakeholders from the industry and various brands. All these experiences play a vital role in enhancing students’ academic journey and promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers or aspiring fashion industry professionals?
I would encourage them to be passionate and to explore as much as possible during their time at Istituto Marangoni. I’d suggest they join student clubs, consider starting their own entrepreneurial journey, and seize every opportunity the university offers, whether through industry projects, networking, or events.
They should stay curious about their own cultural origins while also gaining insight into the many cultures represented in Dubai, where diversity is truly celebrated. I also encourage them to explore the rich history and unique aesthetic of this region, and to bring that perspective to the international stage.
What do you think it takes to make it in the industry today?
Determination, perseverance, creativity, problem-solving, and a proactive attitude are essential qualities. In the creative industries, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of branding, global trends, and the impact of emerging technologies. That’s why at Istituto Marangoni Dubai, we’ve chosen to integrate key subjects such as sustainability, new technologies, along with entrepreneurship and branding, from the very beginning of our students’ educational journey.
What else is in the pipeline for this year?
We are planning an Open Day for high school students, as well as a dedicated Beauty Open Day featuring speakers from the fragrance and cosmetics industries. Both events are open to the public and will take place on our campus located at Gate Village 8 in the DIFC.
We believe this will be a unique opportunity for prospective students to connect with both faculty and industry professionals, gaining valuable insight into our programs and the wide range of career opportunities in the creative disciplines.
