Fashion Design and Fashion Styling & Creative Direction students at Istituto Marangoni Milano have been invited to explore and reinterpret 90 years of Italian fashion through a modern perspective. The standout designs will be featured in an exhibition this September, coinciding with the opening of the school’s new campus in Milan.

Fashion tells a captivating story marked by bold advancements and constant returns, weaving a rich tapestry of ideas that connects the past with the present. Throughout its 90-year history, Istituto Marangoni has contributed to this creative narrative, not just as an observer but as a prominent contributor in the evolution of our wardrobes.

To celebrate the significant impact the school has had on Italian fashion, Fashion Design and Fashion Styling & Creative Direction students from Istituto Marangoni Milano are participating in the Futures Archive contest, which will culminate in an exhibition event set to take place in Milan this September. The project is in partnership with Vogue Italia, which has provided students with exclusive access to its digital archive. The competition was launched last month during a talk held at the school’s Via Pietro Verri 4 campus, featuring Elisa Pervinca Bellini, Senior Fashion News & Sustainability Editor at Vogue Italia, in conversation with Antonio Patruno Randolfi, Fashion Design Programme Leader at Istituto Marangoni Milano.

What Exactly Is the Futures Archive Contest?

The Futures Archive contest invites participants to present nine outfits and fashion editorials inspired by the iconic styles of the period from 1935 to 2025, drawing upon historical references and experimenting with various silhouettes, materials, and shapes using Vogue Italia’s archives. Contestants were encouraged to choose three decades from a designated list (1935–1945 / 1945–1955 / 1955–1965 / 1965–1975 / 1975–1985 / 1985–1995 / 1995–2005 / 2005–2015 / 2015–2025) and reimagine their most distinctive elements in a fresh and innovative way.

Nine finalists will be selected to bring their creations to life. The judging process will consider each contestant’s ability to incorporate an upcycling vision into their projects, reflecting current fashion trends that prioritise sustainability and a no-waste philosophy.

90 Years at the Heart of Fashion

This project, in collaboration with Vogue Italia—an esteemed guardian of Italy’s fashion heritage—demonstrates Istituto Marangoni’s ongoing commitment to nurturing generations of creatives capable of interpreting and guiding societal evolution over the past nine decades. With Futures Archive, memory becomes a springboard for creative innovation.

To discover the winning projects, be sure to attend the major exhibition event this September.