The White Shirt Project
in collaboration with PALMER HARDING
Istituto Marangoni London partners with renowned designers Palmer//Harding for a focused Year 1 project dedicated to reimagining the white shirt. Known for their sculptural and emotionally driven approach, the duo bring industry insight directly into the studio, offering students valuable guidance through presentations, tutorials, and a final review. The collaboration spans two sessions—one in May and one in June—reflecting IML's commitment to creativity, technical development, and hands‑on industry engagement
IN‑DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Year 1 students explore the possibilities of the white shirt through a practical collaboration with Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding. The project begins with designer presentations and tutorials on 2nd May, where the duo share their narrative‑led, sculptural design process. Students return on 11th June to present their final shirts for critique, concluding with a student‑led fashion walk that showcases their work and marks the completion of the project.
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THE ANNUAL WHITE SHIRT FASHION SHOW
The annual White Shirt Fashion Show is a signature Istituto Marangoni London tradition in which Year 1 students present their final shirt creations in a dynamic, student‑led runway showcase staged within the school. Following their final tutorials with Palmer//Harding, students style and direct their own looks, transforming the open space into a celebratory catwalk that highlights their creativity, craftsmanship, and first‑year design development.
ABOUT THE DESIGNERS
Founded in 2011, palmer//harding was built upon a singular concept: elevating the humble shirt. Rooted in creativity and originality, the brand approaches each collection through sculptural experimentation, narrative thinking, and a deep emotional lens. Co‑founders Levi Palmer (Belton, Texas) and Matthew Harding (London), both Central Saint Martins alumni, have built a world where the shirt transforms into an expressive object—expanded into dresses, outerwear, knitwear, and beyond. Their work has been recognised through multiple awards, including:
- NewGen Sponsorship, British Fashion Council (2011–2014)
- British Fashion Trust recipients (2015–2018)
- British Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Winners (2017)
- Career Achievement Award, Fashion Group International (2022)
Their presence at IML brings students directly into conversation with leaders known for technical mastery and innovative design thinking.