We spoke to Diana Marian Murek about the FCG FUTURE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP and the future of fashion design. As part of the project, two scholarships will be awarded for one master's degree each: at the Istituto Marangoni in London for Sustainable Fashion & Systems and at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan for Fashion Business & Entrepreneurship.

Applications for the two scholarships are still possible HERE until April 21, 2024.

1) How did the cooperation for the FUTURE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP with the Fashion Council Germany come about?

Both organizations share a passion for promoting young talent, improving skills and creating networking opportunities for fashion professionals in Germany and internationally. The collaboration aims to give aspiring fashion entrepreneurs the opportunity to promote their growth and influence. The vision is to work with established companies in Germany and create a strong ecosystem in which young professionals and fashion entrepreneurs can thrive.

Istituto Marangoni, as a pioneer of education in the fashion industry, is crucial to the collaboration as we provide young professionals with the knowledge and skills to fuel their creativity and passion for a sustainable future. Future collaborations will include international exchange programs, talks and projects with companies.

The FUTURE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP aims to teach young fashion designers and fashion entrepreneurs new processes that go beyond the boundaries of traditional fashion production methods. The scholarships for the two Master programs are designed to broaden horizons and deepen professional skills through research and project experience, allowing the industry to develop more responsibly.

2) How do you see the future of fashion design, especially for students and emerging design and entrepreneurial talents?

The future of fashion design holds immense potential for students and emerging talents, especially as technology evolves and societal values ​​shift towards sustainability and inclusion. As technologies such as 3D pattern making (Clo3D), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) advance, the fashion design process is becoming more efficient and innovative. Designers can use these tools to create prototypes, visualize designs and personalize products according to individual preferences.

Of course, craftsmanship and traditional techniques remain important, especially in the luxury sector and in terms of product quality. Therefore, students and aspiring designers need to invest in and explore artisanal methods such as embroidery, weaving and hand-dyeing to create unique and high-quality garments. There is currently a slow fashion movement that advocates well-thought-out and well-made fashion, as opposed to fast fashion, being mindful of consumption and production, thus promoting a more sustainable fashion industry. Building close relationships with local artisans, manufacturers and communities can foster a sense of collaboration and support within the fashion industry. Designers can prioritize local production to reduce carbon footprints, support the local economy and also focus on natural materials. Biodegradable materials such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are important to promote sustainable production processes and eco-friendly fashion practices.

Formal training, such as that offered by Istituto Marangoni, equips aspiring designers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Mentorships from experienced professionals and dedicated industry projects provide invaluable guidance, support and networking opportunities that help emerging talent navigate the complex world of fashion.

3) What core values ​​do you want to instill in your students at Istituto Marangoni?

Creativity, innovation, excellence, professionalism, global perspective, sustainability, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, adaptability and ethical integrity.

By instilling these core values, at Istituto Marangoni we aim to educate students to become creative, innovative and responsible professionals who can make a meaningful contribution to the fashion industry and society as a whole.

4) Sustainability is a fundamental value for the future of fashion. What is your role and responsibility as an educator in this regard?

As fashion educators, our role and responsibility in promoting sustainability is crucial to shaping a more sustainable future for the industry. We have a holistic approach to Responsible Fashion and discuss all aspects that are affected by it in class. Practices such as using/sourcing eco-friendly materials, implementing sustainable production methods (e.g. water-saving techniques, renewable energy) and applying circular design principles (e.g. recycling, upcycling and extending the life of garments) are essential to promoting environmental sustainability in the fashion industry.

In addition, Responsible Fashion relies on fair labor practices and promotes safe and equitable working conditions for garment workers worldwide. Responsible Fashion advocates transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, from the sourcing of raw materials to the distribution of the final product. Responsible fashion also respects and celebrates different cultural traditions and identities. This includes recognizing and respecting cultural significance and ensuring that artisans and indigenous communities receive fair remuneration. Finally, responsible fashion is also about educating consumers about the social and environmental impacts of their purchasing decisions and empowering them to make more sustainable choices. This includes raising awareness of the importance of ethical fashion, providing information about sustainable alternatives and promoting mindful consumption.

Overall, Responsible Fashion represents a commitment to creating a fashion industry that puts people, the planet and ethical practices first.

5) What do you look for in young talent in terms of two of the most important selection criteria: inclusivity and innovation?

When it comes to innovation, we look for individuals with a strong creative vision and a willingness to push the boundaries of conventional fashion design. This includes demonstrating originality, creativity and imagination in their work, challenging norms and exploring new ideas and concepts. We value talent that uses technology as a tool for innovation in fashion design and entrepreneurship, using technologies such as 3D, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to improve the design process and create innovative products. We value diversity in all its forms, which is why students are encouraged to consider the ethical implications of their design decisions and strive to make positive contributions to society.

In addition, we prefer talents that focus on sustainability by developing eco-friendly materials, production methods and business models that minimize environmental impact. We also value interdisciplinary collaboration and look for talents that are inspired by different fields such as art, science, technology and culture and are open to collaborating with experts from other disciplines to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. Ultimately, we are looking for talents that have the potential to change the fashion market with innovative business models, marketing strategies and customer experiences, challenging the status quo and exploring new approaches to fashion design and entrepreneurship.

6) How did you originally get into working and training in the fashion industry? What are your goals for the next few years?

I am a trained fashion designer myself and worked for many years in the international and Italian fashion system, both as a creative and as a fashion journalist, before discovering my passion for education and joining Istituto Marangoni, where I hold the position of Head of Training in Milan and before that in London, Mumbai and Florence. I have a strong interest in teaching and mentoring emerging talent because I am fascinated by the creativity and cultural significance of this industry. My goals for the coming years revolve around promoting the education and development of future fashion professions. This includes expanding the curriculum to include new trends and technologies and publishing more research papers. Ultimately, my goal is always to empower students to succeed in their careers and make a meaningful contribution to the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

We would like to thank Diana Marian Murek for the interview.