MFI is an international hub with an industry-driven program that prepares students to work as creative professionals in the fashion industry, and the only one of its kind at a public higher learning institution in Florida. MFI offers degrees in Fashion Design and Merchandising, working with local and international designers to develop a skilled workforce that supports industry growth and demand, especially in South Florida where fashion is booming.
“It’s very special for students of the two year fashion program to have the opportunity to showcase their work. We’re especially proud of this year’s graduates who made it through the pandemic. Faculty, staff, and classmates are blown away by the work of these students who began without any technical skills. This will be their well-earned time to showcase their hard work and knowledge acquired in the program and feel proud of it.”, said Asanyah Davidson, chairperson of the program.
This year’s event is inspired by “Texture and Culture”. The mini collections being shown are from the graduating Fashion Design AS class of 2022 showcasing the work of students Isaac Castillo, Julian Ruiz, Paola Vilar, Maria E. Poza, Inna Yemets, Wesley Brady Jr., Jessica Whitehouse, Heather Michelle Morey, Rachel, Serieux, Elyzeth Cueto, Ronal Paul Solano, Kimberly Cartagena, Marija Kocevska, Maria F. Tobin, and Fernando Martinez Ruiz; as well as a closing show by international fashion designer and MDC alumna Yas González.
González is recognized as the first Cuban-American designer to show her pieces at Dubai Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week. She has dressed international artists such as Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and others such as the Princess of Dubai and Michelle Obama. With her brands, House of Yas and The Miami Fashion Show, she has exhibited her designs during the Emmy Awards, the Grammys, Latin Grammys, Latin Billboards, Latin Music Awards. This season, she will showcase her newest collection “Onyx” on which textures and culture are her main focal point. “I always looked up to professionals that visited the College when I was one of the students and told myself, one day I will be like them. It is an enormous honor to be able to come back and be part of this special moment: graduation! It is a way of showing students that they are in the right path, to motivate them to keep on, and showing Miami that we have a top of the line fashion institute in town”, noted González.
The show will be produced and directed by Alternativo Art and House of Yas, focusing on the education concept of showing students the full process of producing and executing a real fashion show. “We will use all poetry available. With the play of lights and a risky palette, we’ll leave a deep and valuable mark of art and the fashion scene. We will be an accident of oblivion.”, mentioned Asiel Babastro, director of the show and CEO of Alternativo Art.
Joining the event is The Miami Dade Foundation which raises essential private funds for student scholarships, STEM education, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, workforce training, and other programs that elevate our Miami community.
The annual Miami Fashion Show will be held at 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 11 at MDC Wolfson Campus’ Chapman Conference Hall, located at 300 NE Second Avenue, room 3210.
