On Saturday, Jan. 27, Istituto Marangoni Miami-the first U.S. campus of Italy’s leading fashion, art and design school-will bring together industry leaders, alumni and celebrities for a VIP ribbon cutting and grand opening party in Miami’s Design District. The exclusive evening, hosted by campus President Hakan Baykam, will infuse new energy into the city’s fashion scene and will be the first step to legitimizing Miami as a serious fashion capital of the world. The event features tours of the finished building, a fashion show showcasing alumni designs as well as a high-energy after party performance from DJ Mia Moretti and Margot of the Dolls. The group is known for creating soundtracks for fashion’s most recognizable brands, such as Moschino and Alice & Olivia; opening for major acts like Katy Perry, Diana Ross and Stevie Wonder; and for performing at the Met Ball after party, the Louvre and the Guggenheim. The Dolls will be joined on stage by a troupe of voguers, who will amp up excitement for the first class of Istituto Marangoni students in Miami.

The evening will begin with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and cocktail hour at the new campus, where guests will toast to the brand’s expansion. Roberto Riccio, CEO of Marangoni Group, and Hakan Baykam will give their opening remarks and welcome the audience to a first look of the seven-story building. Guests can then go on self-guided tours throughout the space and view the unique mannequins outfitted by Istituto Marangoni alumni, Piazzalunga.

After the cocktail party, attendees will be escorted to the iconic Moore Building, known for its distinct Zaha Hadid installation. The space will be transformed into a futuristic garden featuring flower fantasies and modern motifs. Envisioned by StudioKhom, the concept is inspired by classic Italian gardens and is designed to be the epitome of elegance and style. Guests will be seated to enjoy the fashion show, which will showcase collections from recent alumni Ece Sahin, Claudio Potenti, Lu Xia, Irina Demyanchuk and Armando Costa. With bold colors and avant-garde flair, the show will be representative of the diverse skills and techniques taught by Istituto Marangoni professors. Guests are also invited to use the interactive Istituto Marangoni-branded social wall and photo booth that will be on-site.

At the end of the night, there will be dancing, light bites and flowing champagne, and guests will be treated to a two-hour, high-energy set by the Dolls.