They came from Spain, Mexico, Chile, Belarus and more. Sixty students of the MBA in Dirección de Empresas de Moda from Esden Business School (Madrid) came to Istituto Marangoni Milano to attend the tenth edition of the tailored short course Fashion Collection Design and Architecture – Italian Luxury Fashion Experience, following the successful long-term partnership between the two schools. In an immersive journey through the Italian fashion and design scene, participants had the opportunity to learn through a practical approach blending traditional classroom activities with trips to companies and museums. They toured exclusive venues, including Giorgio Armani’s Armani/Silos, the fashion art space in Milan dedicated to the Armani style, and the MA*GA Museum to experience “MISSONOGRAFIA. Missoni and the art of screen-printed fabric.” But they also visited several companies, such as Fondazione Ratti, a textile museum and factory in Como, and the Bonaudo tannery, where the students had a firsthand experience of leather production processes. Are you curious to learn more through their own words? We launched a contest and selected the best stories. Here is one about growing up in Belarus dreaming of a better life. And guess what? Creating drawings with paints and dolls paved the way for bigger dreams, inspiring a little girl to study film, radio and television and continue her education in the fashion industry. “School taught me a lot, but what impressed me the most was travelling, especially my last trip to Milan. This beautiful city inspired me through its people, particularly a teacher named Celeste,” said Krystina Kulsha, a talented student from Esden Business School.
ESDEN student Krystina Kulsha with Diana Marian Murek (Director of Educaction) and Barbara Toscano (School Director) at Istituto Marangoni Milano
A bit about my upbringing
My story began in Belarus, where I grew up in a family that dreamed of a better life. My mother, a veterinarian, instilled in me a love for nature and animals, but the reality in our country was a massive challenge for our family, and we soon found ourselves lacking resources and needing to wear secondhand or flea market clothes. That’s when I began creating memories with fashion, combining pieces and creating my designs with paints and dolls as any little girl would. My love for fashion grew even more when watching movies with my mother, longing to dress with the elegance and glamour of the women on screen.
ESDEN student Krystina Kulsha at Istituto Marangoni Milano © Courtesy of the author
The day when fashion came along and changed my life
When the time came to decide what I wanted to study, my head and heart were divided between health, literature, and art. Finally, I studied film, radio, and television, which helped me realise that what I truly loved was fashion. My family has always encouraged entrepreneurship, and thanks to that, I decided to continue my education in the fashion industry to create my own brand in the future.
Students toured exclusive venues, including Giorgio Armani’s Armani/Silos © Courtesy of the author
What specific elements of Milan did I find inspiration in?
I have learned a lot from my school education, not just in academics but also in developing my character and learning life lessons. However, my most impactful experiences have been while travelling, especially my recent trip to Milan to Milan. This beautiful city inspired me through its people, especially a teacher named Celeste, who always wanted to study at Istituto Marangoni, but never could. Now she teaches there and is also an exceptional and inspiring tango dancer. We shared memorable moments that I will cherish forever.
ESDEN student Krystina Kulsha attending lessons at Istituto Marangoni Milano © Courtesy of the author
The soundtrack to this journey
During this trip, I made the best of everything. The song that kept me company was “Mieux que tout” by Paradis, emphasising the importance of self-improvement and becoming the best version of oneself. That is my mantra and what I want for myself in the future.
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way
My story is a reminder that although things are not always easy, we can find inspiration in the people and places around us. We must follow our hearts and work hard to achieve our dreams. We should never lose sight of our passion and always strive to be our best selves.
Students visited several companies, such as Fondazione Ratti, a textile museum and factory in Como © Courtesy of the author
Krystina Kulsha
Student
In Partnership with ESDEN Business School
