Last Friday, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai hosted its highly anticipated 2024 fashion showcase, Aikyam a vibrant celebration of the talents and creativity of its fashion design students. The theme, derived from the Sanskrit word for unity and harmony, reflects the institute’s mission to integrate global design trends with India’s rich cultural heritage.
The collections presented at the event radiated positivity and hope, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as the bustling streets of Mumbai, the intricate art of Rajasthan, and the influences of Goa’s Portuguese history. Students demonstrated their ability to reinterpret traditional crafts, creating modern designs that resonate with both local and international audiences.
Each of the 22 students showcased three signature pieces, highlighting their artistic identities.
- Arnold Baglari – Aronai
- Avinam Palikhe – Normalcy
- Nandika Mahajan – Aquarius
- Pranjal Chouhan – Bylane Bloom
- Twinkle Jain – Roots Reimagined
- Ishita Singh – Cyanora
- P N Dane – Daphné
- Riya Saxena – Expressoul
- Tresor Costa – De Portugal, Com Amor!
- Ditika Gupta – Filume
- Aanya Agrawal – Woven Reveries
- Vishvaja Shinde – Pastiche
- Hanshika Bansal – Estrangement
- Nandini Sarda – Ekta
- Dipannita Singh – Orphic
- Anvi Pawar – Virid
- Anushka Samdani – Allure
- Harshita Agrawal – Coastal Dreams
- Yesha Jain – Bombay Spectrum
- Krishangi Borah – Orion
- Gaurica Chauhan – Eclectic Echoes
- Sarabh Arora – Memento Mori
In addition to the showcase, guests were treated to a curated photo exhibition featuring the work of the top fashion styling students, including Aayush Yadav, Diya Chopra, Sriram Y, Tanay Saxena, and Raina Vaid. This first-time exhibition highlighted the creative vision and talent of the next generation of stylists.
Additionally, the event displayed two special projects that captured the audience’s attention. The first was the ‘With Love Halston’ collection, presented by Ishita Singh, the scholarship winner from the USA collaboration, who showcased three winning looks inspired by the iconic Halston brand. The second project, the Kotpad Project, featured the results of a comprehensive research initiative, presented through a docu-film, a coffee table book, and a collaborative capsule collection that united the London and Mumbai campuses, illustrating the school’s commitment to innovation and cultural exchange.
Mr. Tarun Pandey, COO of Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, spoke about the significance of the showcase, noting that it encapsulates the evolving fashion landscape influenced by the next generation of designers. He emphasised the institute’s commitment to empowering students with the skills needed to thrive in the global market while promoting responsible innovation.
Mevin Murden, Director of Education, observed a marked increase in students’ confidence to embrace their local culture for inspiration, a direction the school has fostered through collaborations with local artisans.
Avinam Palikhe was honoured as the ‘2024 Fashion Design Student of the Year’ for his outstanding collection. Istituto Marangoni Mumbai prides itself on its strong reputation, grounded in the promotion of “Made in Italy” values and a commitment to high-quality education. To further celebrate this year’s achievements, the showcase will be broadcast via IG Live, YouTube, and Metaverse on September 30, 2024, at 6:00 PM IST, offering a global audience the chance to witness this remarkable display of student creativity and innovation.