On May 15 at 8:30 PM, the Palm Court in the heart of Miami Design District will transform into a runway for Volare, the annual fashion show from Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM). Now in its second year, the event highlights final collections from IMM’s fashion design students and introduces a major initiative: the IMM x Miami Design District Scholarship Fund.

Set against one of Miami’s most creative backdrops, the show isn’t just about debuting fresh designs. It’s also about giving back and building support for the next wave of fashion creatives.

A Theme That Takes Off

This year’s theme, Volare—meaning “to fly”—isn’t just metaphorical. It channels the spirit of ambition, freedom, and possibility. As IMM President Hakan Baykam put it, the show is about more than fashion. “Volare is a celebration of the future, where innovation, craftsmanship, and inspiration all take flight on the runway.”

The sentiment is echoed by Mario Braghieri, Dean of Fashion, who emphasized the personal growth behind every stitch. “This is a testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work these students put into bringing their visions to life.”

Music, Design, and Miami’s Creative Pulse

Volare is shaping up to be more than a student showcase. It’s a cultural moment in Miami’s fashion calendar. From fashion professionals and artists to designers and supporters, the event will bring together the city’s creative communities for a night of style and statement.

Adding to the atmosphere, the Miami Symphony Orchestra will perform live, creating a rich soundscape for the collections and setting the tone for the evening.

A Scholarship That Changes Lives

One of the most impactful announcements of the night is the launch of the IMM x Miami Design District Scholarship Fund, a full-tuition scholarship (worth $162,300) for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. The award will go to a graduate from Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), one of Miami’s top design-focused schools.

Craig Robins, CEO of Dacra and a key supporter of the initiative, sees this as an investment in Miami’s cultural and creative future. “Supporting the next generation of designers through education is a natural extension of what the Design District stands for,” he said.

The scholarship application opens immediately after the show and will be available through the IMM website. All ticket proceeds from this year’s show will go directly to funding it.

Building More Than a Runway

The show also brings together a powerhouse of partners. Freedom Models and the Godina Worldwide Team are on board for casting, hair, and makeup, helping students translate their design visions into full runway presentations.

This collaborative spirit reinforces IMM’s mission: fostering community, lifting new voices, and making design education more accessible.

With each year, Volare grows not just in audience, but in purpose—bringing fashion, philanthropy, and education together in one of Miami’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

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