The collaborative project between Atlético de Madrid and Istituto Marangoni Milano concluded on May 7 with an exclusive event at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid. The initiative involved students from both the Bachelor’s Degree courses and Master’s programmes in Fashion Design & Accessories as part of the Creators Club.

Students were invited to reinterpret Atlético de Madrid’s visual identity and values through innovative capsule collections that blend the language of sport with avant-garde fashion research. The club’s colours (white and red) earned its players and fans the nickname colchoneros (“mattress makers”), a nod to their resemblance to the fabrics of traditional early 20th-century Spanish mattresses. Founded in 1903 by Basque students affiliated with Athletic Club, Atlético de Madrid continues to embody the authentic, combative team spirit that has made it one of the most iconic clubs in European football.

The three winning projects - designed by Javier Gonzalez Macia, Ivana Duca, and Jhovanka Marcela Beck - were officially unveiled in digital format at the VIP Tunnel Club of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium before a prestigious international audience of journalists, influencers, VIP guests, school alumni, and industry professionals. Selected by the Atlético Madrid jury, the capsules offer three distinctive interpretations of the universe surrounding this legendary club, translating its codes into a more contemporary fashion sphere while maintaining a strong connection to its historical heritage.

The project by Istituto Marangoni Milano demonstrates that football and fashion are becoming increasingly intertwined, creating fertile ground for cultural expression and stylistic innovation that resonates with younger generations and conveys a strong sense of identity. From an educational perspective, such collaborations offer students the opportunity to engage with international realities beyond the traditional luxury pathways, encouraging experimentation with innovative partnerships and multidisciplinary design.

The Three Award-Winning Projects

Javier Gonzalez Macias developed a capsule collection featuring ergonomic shapes that channel the club’s energy and resilience through dynamic silhouettes and details inspired by contemporary urban aesthetics. The collection strikes a balance between performance and style using materials such as denim, nylon, and leather.

Ivana Duca pursued a more sophisticated, conceptual vision, exploring the emotional bond between supporters, belonging, and visual identity. Her proposal merges sporting heritage with fashion sensitivity: crochet details pay tribute to Spanish women who used to knit, while the silhouettes are inspired by the club’s trophies, symbols of performance and success.

Jhovanka Marcela Beck presented a boldly experimental collection that reinterprets the world of football through materials, volumes, and cultural influences combined in innovative, inclusive ways. Vibrant colours and street-style references inject energy into both menswear and womenswear.