THE MUMBAI SCHOOL BROUGHT ITS CREATIVE VISION TO LIFE WITH A BOLD FASHION SHOWCASE

On 18th July, 2025, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, the esteemed Italian fashion and design school, unveiled its 2025 fashion showcase, ‘विकास (vikAsah)’, a vibrant display of creativity and talent by its fashion design students. 

The show's theme, aptly named 'vikAsah' — the Sanskrit word signifying 'elevation' or 'growth' — encapsulated a spirit of transformation and constant ascent. Drawing deep inspiration from Mumbai, a metropolis in perpetual motion, the showcase embodied the city's ambition, progress, and dynamism. Held at Famous Studios in Upper Worli, one of Mumbai’s most iconic creative venues, ‘vikAsah’ reflected the city's restless spirit, where heritage and innovation collide. From monsoon-soaked concrete to soaring skyscrapers, the narrative skilfully wove together chaos and calm, tradition and modernity, painting a vivid portrait of urban evolution.

Look from Ananya Singh's collection featured in the show

The set, presented in an Arte Povera style, featured a striking golden bamboo scaffolding, inspired by Mumbai's ubiquitous construction sites. This symbolic structure underscored raw growth and ongoing transformation, offering a bold, sensory journey that positioned the students as pivotal storytellers of India’s evolving fashion landscape.

"The 'vikAsah' 2025 student showcase truly embodied the spirit of 'elevation and growth,' defining both our students' remarkable journeys and the dynamic city of Mumbai itself," said Mr. Tarun Pandey, COO — Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai. "Each collection represented the next generation of designers and their unique vision for the future of fashion. At Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, we are deeply committed to empowering our students for success in global markets, with responsible innovation at the core of our approach, ensuring they are prepared for an ever-evolving world. As we navigate this new landscape, with a renewed focus on craft, experiences, and craftsmanship, we aim to highlight their academic excellence and achievements on a global platform," he added.

Highlight from Anvi Khubchandani's Thread that Connects presented at IM Mumbai final show

The student collections at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s 2025 student showcase not only marked a milestone in the students' personal and professional journey but also embodied the spirit of ‘vikAsah’. Sixteen students took to the runway, each unveiling four distinct looks that reflected their individual design language and creative evolution. More than just a display of garments, the showcase represented a culmination of years of learning, experimentation, and growth, a pivotal moment in their transition from students to emerging fashion voices.

The students who showcased their collections at ‘vikAsah’ were:

• Rugved — Ache of Desire
• Aditya Ajmera — Regal Regenesis
• Mansi Bajoriya — Ever Essence
• Tanya Baksani — Echoes of Eras
• Piya Bhatia — Dust Born: Threads of Survival
• Ashvi Doshi — Karunya
• Riddhima Jain — Anything and Everything
• Naisha Khan Nihaluddin — Verseone
• Anvi Khubchandani — Thread that Connects
• Longjenti Longchar — A Melancholic Ode to the Human Experience
• Vikruti Raj — Amor-aal
• Shradha Rana — The Funeral Under the Sea
• Tanishi Rathi — Core-al Reminiscence
• Ananya Singh — Carrier No.: 09'23. Handle with Care: Status - in transit
• Trisha Talpady — Sands & Silks
• Bhoomi Talwar — A Reminder of Mortality

Talking about the show and the level of fresh talent, Mevin Murden, Director of Education — Istituto Marangoni, Mumbai, said, “at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, we push students to bring their own cultural identity into their collections and year after year we can see the elevation in their work in creating global collections rooted in India.”

Ananya Singh was awarded Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s ‘2025 Fashion Design Student of the Year’ for her ‘Carrier No.: 09'23. Handle with Care: Status - in transit’ collection that she showcased at the event. 

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, ‘vikAsah’ introduced a fragrance developed in collaboration with Astha Suri, founder of the luxury fragrance label Naso Profumi and an alumnus of Istituto Marangoni Milan. Working alongside Mevin Murden, Director of Education at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, the duo created “Mumbai High”, a scent inspired by the showcase’s core theme. The fragrance evokes the spirit of Mumbai through a bold, layered blend: ocean, salt, cement, mogra, leather, and oud. From the industrious by-lanes of Dharavi to the timeless beauty of Marine Drive, ‘Mumbai High’ captures the essence of the city, its movement, soul, and sensory overload.

Snapshot from Ashvi Doshi's Karunya collection

The showcase also featured a distinctive styling segment that explored the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Select standout projects were reinterpreted using advanced AI tools, offering a fresh perspective on creative direction, conceptual development, and image-making. This segment provided a compelling glimpse into the future of fashion communication, where innovation meets artistry, and technology becomes an integral part of the design narrative.

The showcase also included ‘Realm of Senses’, a textile installation by Manuela Catania that offered a meditative, multi-sensory experience. Drawing from her background in architecture and jewellery design, Manuela transformed delicate fabrics into floating sculptures inspired by the winds of Sicily and the spirit of India. The installation echoed vikAsah’s themes of transformation and introspection, inviting viewers to slow down, engage their senses, and reconnect with their inner rhythm.

Ensemble designed by Vikruthi Raj, part of his capsule "Amor-aal"

The excellent reputation enjoyed by the school lies in the distinctive elements that have marked its identity since its foundation; first of all, the enhancement and promotion of ‘Made in Italy’ values, combined with a strong international vocation, and expressed through an educational system of proven quality and effectiveness, which makes use of the contribution of, and the established collaboration with, the most prominent fashion companies of the world.

Appreciations:

• Salon academy, Daniel Bauer Academy, supported the hair and makeup curation for the fashion showcase.
• Favini, an Italian paper manufacturer, came on board to help with luxury synthetic leathers for students to design accessories and garments.
• The Istituto Marangoni 2025 student showcase introduced a unique fragrance developed in collaboration with Astha Suri, founder of the luxury fragrance label Naso Profumi, and an esteemed alumnus of Istituto Marangoni Milan.
• The Rilievi Group, a leading company in handmade tailoring and embroidery for the haute couture industry partnered with Istituto Marangoni Mumbai for the event.
• The Source by Sula offers fresh, elegant, and delightful wines, globally recognized as among the best Indian wines, representing sustainable winemaking and the purest expression of select Nashik valley vineyards.