Located in the heart of the Shoreditch Design Triangle, Istituto Marangoni London has been offering some of the UK’s most promising talent an education in fashion for almost 20 years. But since 2018, the school has evolved its vision, bridging fashion and design with the introduction of Interior Design, Product Design, Jewellery Design and Visual Design courses. With sister institutions in the likes of Milan, Shanghai and Mumbai, Istituto Marangoni London combines world-class teaching from industry heavyweights with unparalleled access to a global network of contacts. From the outset, students are empowered with the skills and contacts needed to pave their way in an often-competitive industry. More than just teaching Beyond the classroom, students are invited to join an impressive schedule of design events throughout the academic year. In 2018, the school hosted a series of thought-provoking talks during the London Design Festival, bringing design editor Roddy Clarke into conversation with the likes of designer and architect (and Istituto Marangoni alumnus) Térence Coton and Wallpaper* editor-at-large Henrietta Thompson. Continuing to leverage its talented pool of alumni, in 2019 Istituto Marangoni joined forces with respected design curator Rossana Orlandi to launch the Guiltless Plastic project in the UK, an initiative to drive sustainability within design. The project was a call to action, with the ‘Ro Plastic Prize’ inviting entrants to present creative research for how to process plastic waste in a more cost, time, and energy-efficient way. With over 300 entries, a panel of judges, which included Istituto Marangoni ambassador Giulio Cappellini, chose a selection of winning projects to be exhibited within the school. For 2020, Istituto Marangoni has launched 'Enhancing the Future', a series of virtual talks on the future of design and creativity after Covid-19. World-famous designers, such as Humberto Campana and Tom Dixon, plus design studios Neri & Huin Shanghai and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, will discuss how our everyday spaces are likely to be redesigned and reimagined as we adjust to a changing way of life. Adapting to the times Traditionally, prospective students have been able to visit Istituto Marangoni London as part of the application process. But, as the world adapts to ‘the new normal’, so too has the school. Regular virtual open days allow budding students the chance to discover the wide range of courses on offer, meeting lecturers and industry partners and discovering the work of current students. From BA Interior Design students’ responses to a brief for ‘the work retreat of a leading internet influencer’ – think disruptive, Banksy-inspired projects – to MA Product Design students’ investigations into the work of influential architect Zaha Hadid, the virtual open day allows prospective students to dive into the culture of the school. Julie Ross, programme leader of BA Interior and Product Design, explains why Istituto Marangoni London continues to attract some of the very best talent from around the globe. ‘Istituto Marangoni is an incredible place to be and to work. We have a fantastic pool of staff and tutors with expertise in academic backgrounds, but also industry backgrounds. ‘However, our students are key to the success of these programmes. Creative processes are essential to capture how this generation is going to impact the world. We provide a blank canvas for students to succeed.’ For School Director Charlotte Gorse, the location of the school is one of its greatest strengths: ‘London is a vibrant city that reinvents traditional boundaries everyday and our courses encourage an agile approach, combining digital production with beautifully craftwork. It’s London meets Milan.’ Discover more about Istituto Marangoni London