Istituto Marangoni Transforms Fashion Education with AI-Powered Metaverse Extravaganza
In a groundbreaking move, Istituto Marangoni, the renowned fashion and design school, is pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its curriculum, revolutionizing the way students approach fashion design. Stefania Valenti, the managing director of Istituto Marangoni, expressed her excitement about the initiative, calling it "fashion design 3.0."
The project, aptly named "I Am AI," unveiled a mesmerizing digital fashion show showcasing the creations of seven graduates from Istituto Marangoni's international campuses. These students leveraged AI tools and digital-only techniques to craft their collections, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion design.
Each graduate, representing a different campus from Milan to Shanghai, presented three digitally crafted looks using CLO3D, with AI algorithms contributing to the artistic direction of the show. The digital backgrounds, generated by AI, served as unique sets for each collection, adding an extra layer of creativity to the presentation.
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The event, held in the metaverse space introduced by Istituto Marangoni last year, aimed to transcend geographical limitations, inviting a global audience to witness the cutting-edge designs. This digital format not only showcased the progress made by students but also demonstrated the school's commitment to providing a diverse skill set to the next generation of designers.
An immersive experience, accessible from desktop or mobile devices, allows users to explore the metaverse space, witness the fashion show, and engage with the creative process behind each collection. A unique gamification element enables users to style their avatars with items from different lineups and change backgrounds, adding an interactive dimension to the experience.
A significant aspect of "I Am AI" is the involvement of the audience. Users can vote for their favorite collection, contributing to the preferences of a jury of professionals from the luxury sector. The winning graduate will receive additional tutoring from the school, along with opportunities to collaborate with renowned brands.
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This venture into the metaverse is not the first for Istituto Marangoni, as the school previously experimented with a phygital format for the opening of its Dubai campus. The success of these initiatives led to the decision to launch laboratories within the metaverse space, offering students a digital environment to learn and experiment.
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Valenti emphasized the importance of providing students with additional skills, enhancing their creativity and showcasing the potential benefits of technology in the fashion industry. This includes reducing waste in the creation of prototypes and encouraging students to take more risks in their designs.
The metaverse laboratories will bring classes such as pattern-making, product design, and visual merchandising into the digital realm. Students will have avatars, enabling them to attend the same lesson from different campuses, fostering collaboration and networking beyond physical borders.
Istituto Marangoni's forward-thinking approach has attracted attention from brands, with the school collaborating with companies like Ferrari and Poltrona Frau. By incorporating advanced digital and tech tools into its curriculum, Istituto Marangoni aims to meet the industry's demand for professionals equipped with innovative skills.
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As the fashion world steps into this new era of digital exploration, Istituto Marangoni stands at the forefront, shaping the future of fashion education.