Istituto Marangoni turns 90: Explore 9 decades of fashion history and iconic trends
Discover Istituto Marangoni’s 90th anniversary series: 9 decades of global fashion trends, creative movements, and inspirations shaping today’s style
90 Years of Istituto Marangoni: How a Fashion School Shaped Global Style
It was 1935 when Istituto Marangoni was founded in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals. Originally known as Istituto Artistico dell’Abbigliamento Marangoni, it has inspired, educated, and launched the careers of four generations of students from five continents. Thousands of brilliant minds have nurtured their talent here, becoming professionals in fashion, art, and design.
To celebrate this extraordinary journey, we have traced the evolution of fashion and creativity over the past nine decades, uncovering iconic fashion trends, cultural movements, and remarkable personalities that continue to inspire today’s global creative community.
Creative State of Mind: The Istituto Marangoni Vision That Defined Fashion Education
For each decade, we explore the defining style trends of fashion history, rediscovering timeless staples, underground movements, and unconventional figures whose vision shaped entire generations. Pioneers and creative minds have made a lasting impact on today’s fashion, artistic, and cultural scene.
This journey also inspires the “Creative State of Mind” that drives Istituto Marangoni, as emphasised in its 90th Anniversary slogan by Pietro Terzini: “If you have a creative mindset, no one can take it away from you. It’s inherent within you. It follows you everywhere. It’s like a passport: if you embrace that state of mind, you’re already part of the global creative community.”
According to Pietro Terzini, the “Creative State of Mind” is not only the foundation of Istituto Marangoni but also a key element in its evolution, influencing and shaping future generations of fashion professionals worldwide.
Istituto Marangoni Fashion Through the Decades: 9 Global Trends That Changed the World
From the 1940s to the 2020s, this editorial series explores the defining fashion movements and style waves that captured the zeitgeist of their time and still resonate in contemporary fashion brands, countercultures, and artistic choices.
It presents a unique opportunity to see how era-defining fashion heritage continues to shape creativity today, fostering a dialogue that connects different generations and cultures. Over these 90 years, Istituto Marangoni has not only witnessed this evolution but has also actively contributed to it, thanks to its students and alumni who have become industry leaders worldwide.
True to the evolution of Istituto Marangoni—from Milan to Florence, Paris, London, Dubai, Riyadh, Mumbai, Shanghai, and Shenzhen—this series serves as your ultimate guide to iconic, global fashion trends spanning nine decades, from 1935 to the present. It extends far beyond Italy, highlighting international fashion history by decade and uncovering movements that may be unfamiliar but are essential to understanding the foundations of contemporary style.
From Zoot Suits to Y2K Pink: The Evolution of Iconic Fashion Movements
In the first chapter, we explore the cultural heritage of the Zoot suit, a rebellious statement outfit from the 1940s that remains significant today. We then travel to Japan to examine the legacy of the 1950s through the lens of Tokyo Rockabilly icons.
Next, we investigate Fluxus, one of the most iconic cross-cultural movements of the 1960s, and revisit 1970s hotels that became creative hubs. As the retro gaming aesthetic resurfaces, the 1980s arcade-core style is making a comeback in today’s luxury fashion.
The 1990s saw TV series shape style through iconic costume design—think Friends or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The 2000s were defined by celebrity culture, with paparazzi shots immortalising the rise of Y2K pink, one of fashion’s most recognisable colours.
In the 2010s, social media transformed the industry, as fashion bloggers and influencers turned #OOTD Instagram feeds into runways that are as relevant as traditional catwalks. Moving into the 2020s, the rise of Artificial Intelligence is reshaping creativity across fashion, design, art, and all creative fields. It is no coincidence that Istituto Marangoni has been a pioneer in both the use and teaching of AI and new technologies, preparing students to lead the future of global creative industries.
Countercultures and Creativity: Istituto Marangoni’s Fashion Heritage
Fashion has evolved over the decades, shaped not only by designers, celebrities, and trendsetters but also by countercultures, cultural movements, and iconic figures whose visions have redefined aesthetics.
From the rebellious youth of the 1940s to the internet-born trends of the 2010s, each era reveals how society and style evolve together. This also showcases how Istituto Marangoni alumni have played a key role in bringing these ideas to the global fashion system, demonstrating how these inspirations can ignite your own creativity beyond limits.
Follow the 90th Anniversary Editorial Series on Istituto Marangoni’s Maze35
The articles in this special series are published on Istituto Marangoni’s Maze35 website, one each week, every Wednesday. Don’t miss a single article—subscribe to our newsletter and join the global conversation on fashion history, creativity, and innovation.
Gaia Giordani
Editor, Generative AI Explorer and New Media Communication Expert