MFI Students Strut Their Style At Graduate Show
Electronic music pulsated from the deck of the 10th floor of The Elser Hotel as nattily dressed models strutted down the runway at the Miami Fashion Institute’s annual Graduate Show.
The event, held on June 6, featured the work of 15 students graduating from the College’s associate’s in science fashion design program.
Dilara Karayazi, a first-year fashion merchandising student at the MFI and owner of the FABRICCA accessory brand, also had her jewelry featured at the event.
“Miami Fashion Institute has become a very important force in the Miami area for fashion design,” said professor Leandro De Armas. “We are the most affordable, inclusive and valid option for students who want to come here and don’t know how to start a fashion career.”
Thirty-one students vied to present at the showcase. They worked on their final projects—sparked by their own experiences—this past spring semester.
The process was arduous.
Each student created 25 sketches, which were whittled down to four designs. Those drafts were transformed into preliminary pieces made from muslin, a cotton fabric, before being turned into finished products made from Mood Fabrics, a fabric store specializing in designer textiles.
In April, the projects were reviewed by ten industry professionals, which included Miami Shoe Museum director Luis Valenzuela and Martu Freeman-Parker, who runs her own apparel consultant business—M.E.F. Productions LLC.
They selected the top 15 designs featured at the Graduate Show.
“We want the students to have that experience of what a professional show is like,” said MFI Chairperson Asanyah Davidson. “Some of our students will go on to have their own businesses and collections.”
The final selections ranged from unisex items and bridal dresses to collections depicting futuristic Japanese-style clothing or architectural fashion.
Ariyana Muhammad, who changed her major from electrical engineering to fashion design two years ago, was one of the graduates to display her work.
Her collection, “Summer/Spring 23,” featured a chic and modest array of modern sportswear accented by a color pallet centered around chartreuse—a vibrant lime-green color.
Despite suffering some setbacks associated with a car accident in February, Muhammad completed the collection in April. Her project featured garments made with cotton twill and chiffon scarves.
“I designed these looks to showcase the ability to be elegant and fashionable without having to focus on the insinuating beauty of a woman’s shape and figure,” Muhammad said. “My garments will be worn when women are showcasing the beauty of their minds.”
