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DUBAI: Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al-Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and a member of the Dubai Council, was among the guests of honor at a landmark fashion show that marked the Middle East debut of Italian fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The concept for the event combined a traditional physical fashion show at the Museum of the Future in Dubai with a complementary digital version in the metaverse. Models appeared on the real-world catwalk alongside their virtual avatars, creating a unique event that blended tradition with innovation in a world where reality and virtual reality coexist.

The event showcased the work of five top graduates of Istituto Marangoni’s fashion-design courses in Milan, Florence, Paris, London and Shanghai. The grand finale featured designs by Rahul Mishra, a well-known alum who was the first Indian designer to show his work at Paris Haute Couture Week.

In Dubai he paid tribute to his alma mater with creations that combine traditional Indian designs with modern luxury fashion trends in a sustainable, ethical, “slow fashion” approach.

Sheikha Latifa said: “Istituto Marangoni’s Dubai branch is a valuable addition to the city’s rapidly developing creative and cultural landscape. Its diverse offering will provide creatives in Dubai and the region with the right tools to launch their design careers.”

She added that Dubai has cemented its position as a global design hub, one of the primary goals of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which was launched last year.

As part of that strategy, Dubai Culture is working to strengthen education in the creative arts and, as a result, support the emergence and development of creative talents while establishing an ecosystem of creators in the emirate.

“Bringing global institutions with decades of experience in the field of design to the region reinforces our commitment to the sector and to being a cultural and creative hub,” Sheikha Latifa said. “We look forward to the incredible talent that will graduate from (Istituto Marangoni Dubai) in the coming years.”

Noura Al-Kaabi, minister of culture and youth, said: “It gives me great joy to welcome a globally renowned fashion and design school to Dubai. I see a great partnership in the making, where the UAE and other MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries will have the advantage of a world-class design school, while Istituto Marangoni will benefit from the untapped talent waiting to be harnessed.

“The UAE is making waves in the creative space and building an ecosystem for future generations to contribute effectively to the creative economy. We are focusing on developing our cultural and creative industries to make them a more significant part of the UAE’s economy.

“We believe nurturing talent is critical to developing the creative sector and Istituto Marangoni will play an important role in achieving that. Imparting world-class education and specialized skills to our youth will boost their creative energy and support emerging talent.”

Stefania Valenti, the managing director of Istituto Marangoni, said: “It’s an honor to celebrate the opening of Istituto Marangoni Dubai at the Museum of the Future with the warm endorsement of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al-Kaabi, and in this museum where our immersive experience found its perfect space.”

Dubai is the latest addition to the ranks of global fashion capitals that host an Istituto Marangoni school, including Milan, Florence, Paris, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Miami.

Valenti said that with the help of qualified, professional staff from Italy and an innovative “learning by doing” approach, students at Istituto Marangoni Dubai will develop the skills they need to realize their potential and turn their passion and talent into a successful career.

“Today’s event showcases what Istituto Marangoni students can achieve,” she added. “With the opening of our school in Dubai, we are offering local aspiring fashion and interior designers the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge required to kick-start their careers.

“Istituto Marangoni is committed to playing an active role in the Middle East to encourage a new ecosystem of talent, institutions, stakeholders and industries. We hope to contribute to fostering a new generation of fashion designers in the region, with special attention to empowering women in their aspirational field of interest, be it fashion, design or arts.”