IB Kamara, one of the most eclectic and visionary creative voices in contemporary fashion, has joined Istituto Marangoni Milano as a mentor to guide and inspire students in the third year of the Bachelor’s in Fashion Styling and Creative Direction and Bachelor’s in Fashion Design & Accessories. Known globally as the Creative Director at Off-White™, Kamara brought a rare mix of conceptual thinking, cultural fluency, and real-world insight to a new generation of fashion creatives.  

“I’m so excited to see the work of the next generation of designers and stylists at Istituto Marangoni Milano. Today’s students are pushing boundaries and innovating in fashion in such original, daring ways and I feel honoured to be able to support them,” said Mr. Kamara. 

Over several weeks, students were challenged to respond to creative briefs that looked to the future of fashion by blending sustainability, identity, and visual storytelling into meaningful outcomes. For both programmes, the concept of upcycling became a cental theme—not merely as a necessity or trend, but as a refined aesthetic language.   

In this Mentorship, Fashion Styling students were encouraged to think like photographers and storytellers, using repurposed garments from local wardrobes, charity shops, and personal archives to create fully formed visual narratives. Meanwhile, Fashion Design students were invited to explore the "coming of age" of upcycling, where discarded materials become canvases for craftsmanship, memory, and transformation. Their goal was to design and produce a complete upcycled outfit that isn’t just sustainable, but emotionally resonant and visually compelling. Across both briefs, students had to bring their own heritage, point of view, and modern sensibility to the forefront, proving that conscious fashion can also be creatively fearless. 

Collective Brilliance: A Showcase of Unrivaled Creativity 

The final presentations, held at Istituto Marangoni Milano’s San Babila Campus, brought together the top six students from across both programs. Each finalist showcased a distinct vision, merging technique with bold storytelling. From raw, emotional styling to sharply crafted silhouettes, every project reflected the school’s deep focus on excellence, innovation, and individuality. Instead of selecting a single winner, IB KAMARA and the faculty made an unprecedented decision: to honour all six finalists for the strength of their work. Each brought something truly original and demonstrated what the future of fashion looks like when talent is nurtured, challenged, and supported. 

The End of the Mentorship

The six finalists had the extraordinary opportunity to present their work directly to IB Kamara, receiving invaluable, personalised feedback from one of fashion’s most influential voices. 

In addition to this unique experience, the three finalists from the Fashion Styling program earned the chance to participate in the official fashion editorial that will be produced for the school’s upcoming Fashion Show in September 2025. This editorial will be published as a special magazine-style booklet and distributed to guests and fashion industry insiders during the event. 

This collaboration exemplifies Istituto Marangoni Milano’s commitment to bridging emerging talent with the global fashion community, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive and the culture of tomorrow takes shape. 

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Mentorship Project with IB Kamara | Final Delivery