Milano The School of Fashion

There are the stars—the creative directors whose names are famous across the fashion world. Then, there are the professionals working behind the scenes. While they may be less recognised, they are no less essential. They orchestrate strategy, shape brand identity, and drive creative vision. Increasingly, it is the Alumni of Istituto Marangoni Milano who are making their mark in these roles. 

Studying at Istituto Marangoni Milano means becoming part of a global community of creatives and managers united by a solid educational foundation. This experience is enhanced by an international outlook and the guidance of high-profile mentors. Such training opens the doors to the most coveted positions in the industry. 

Each year, the list of professional Alumni from Istituto Marangoni Milano continues to grow. 

From Marangoni to Versace and Miu Miu 

Dario Vitale, a graduate of the four-year Fashion Design course in 2006, has recently been appointed as the Chief Creative Officer of Versace. His impressive career began at Dsquared2 and progressed through Bottega Veneta under the creative leadership of Tomas Maier. In 2010, he joined the Prada Group, where he became the Director of RTW Design & Image at Miu Miu in 2023, before taking on his current role at Versace. Francesca Nicoletti, another Alumna of Marangoni and a graduate of the Bachelor’s in Fashion Design, has succeeded him as the Design Director for Miu Miu. 

Alumni in Key Leadership Roles 

Other significant figures who have shaped the fashion landscape in recent years include Alessandro Sartori, who graduated in 1989. After working at Berluti, he is now the Artistic Director at ZEGNA. Another notable figure is Andrea Pompilio, a 1995 graduate who has been Creative Director of the cult sportswear label Onitsuka Tiger since 2017. Additionally, Alessandra Facchinetti, who graduated in 1994, has gained experience working with prestigious brands such as Miu Miu, Gucci, Moncler, and Valentino. 

Equally important are Alumni who have pursued less conventional paths within the luxury sector, albeit outside traditional fashion houses. An example is Rocco Iannone, a 2006 graduate, who is currently the Creative Director of Ferrari. He designs the brand’s collections for women, men, and children, oversees its accessory lines, and manages the image of all Brand Diversification projects. Also at Ferrari is fellow Alumna Caitlin Ni Chathain, who serves as the Head of Communication for Lifestyle. 

Alumni Careers in the Fashion System 

Some Milan-trained talents have also established their own brands, emerging as exciting new voices in the creative landscape. Notable examples include Julie de Libran, who showcases her collections during Paris couture week, and Gilda Ambrosio, co-founder of the acclaimed label The Attico. 

Additionally, many other Alumni hold key positions in strategic areas of the fashion business, contributing to the success of major maisons while often working behind the scenes. Among them is Chiara Zampini, a 2012 graduate currently serving as the Director of Global Events at Bottega Veneta. Cornelia Anghelescu, an expert in luxury retail, is the Global E-commerce & Omnichannel Director at Tom Ford. Stephanie Pinda has taken on the role of Senior Merchandising Manager at Versace, while Chadidja Barkat was recently appointed Brand Director for the Middle East at the renowned French jeweller Boucheron. 

Hospitality as the New Frontier of Luxury 

New opportunities are also emerging in the rapidly growing luxury hospitality sector, which shares key values, aesthetics, and branding strategies with the fashion world. Istituto Marangoni Milano is actively embracing this direction with the launch of a new Master’s Program in Fashion Luxury and Brand Management for Hospitality this coming October. This initiative is a natural evolution for a school that already counts several prominent figures in this field among its Alumni. 

Perhaps one of these successful Alumni will soon return as a mentor. For instance, Fabio Peloia, who graduated in Fashion Management & Brand Strategies in 2009, is now the Director of Global Sales, Marketing and Distribution for Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts. His prestigious position highlights the close connection between the fashion, hospitality, and luxury sectors—converging into an integrated ecosystem where creativity, management, and international vision are the keys to success.