{"id":297836,"date":"2026-06-05T23:25:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T23:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/297836\/"},"modified":"2026-06-05T23:25:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T23:25:18","slug":"miami-dade-colleges-miami-fashion-institute-presents-2026-annual-graduate-fashion-show-celebrates-10-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/297836\/","title":{"rendered":"Miami Dade College\u2019s Miami Fashion Institute Presents 2026 Annual Graduate Fashion Show, Celebrates 10 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Images credit: Miami Dade College <\/p>\n

MIAMI \u2014 June 5, 2026 \u2014 Miami Dade College<\/a>\u2019s (MDC) acclaimed Miami Fashion Institute<\/a> (MFI), in collaboration with Miami Fashion Week, presented its annual graduate fashion show on Thursday, June 4, at the iconic Freedom Tower<\/a> in downtown Miami. The event celebrated the next generation of fashion innovators while marking the institute\u2019s 10th anniversary.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis show marked a defining moment for our students as they transitioned from the classroom into the global fashion industry,\u201d said Oscar Lopez, chair of the Miami Fashion Institute. \u201cAs we celebrated 10 years of MFI, the collections reflected a decade of growth, creativity, and innovation. Our students demonstrated not only technical excellence but also bold, forward-thinking design perspectives.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 2026 show featured collections of 14 standout graduating students from MFI\u2019s fashion design program. The designers were chosen by a distinguished panel of industry jurors, including Lourdes Fernandez-Velasco, executive managing director of Miami Fashion Week; Maria Buccellati of Faith Connexion; Naeem Khan, globally acclaimed fashion designer; and Danny Santiago, influential wardrobe stylist and costume designer to acclaimed television shows and movies.\u00a0The emerging designers showcased a high level of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation, with their collections brought to life on the runway through a professionally produced show by Miami Fashion Week and Santiago.<\/p>\n

The students who participated in the fashion show included:<\/p>\n

Mauro Blanc
\nTeresa Chumpitaz
\nMilagros Garc\u00eda
\nMaryna Gorbachova
\nSusana Guzman
\nSara Lopera
\nDeborah Melian
\nZachary Middleton
\nAaliyah Ocasio
\nLaura Prada
\nAmanda Rodriguez
\nPetter Rodriguez
\nJoseph Roa
\nMaria Sanchez<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s program also featured renowned illustrator Ruben Toledo<\/a>, who served as guest of honor and addressed the graduating class. Toledo, alongside Santiago, also participated in student engagements throughout the week.<\/p>\n

The evening opened with remarks and a special video presentation celebrating 10 years of the Miami Fashion Institute, highlighting the community and collaborators who have shaped its success. The runway show was followed by an awards presentation recognizing excellence across key categories, presented by leading industry partners, including:<\/p>\n

The Ruben and Isabel Toledo Award \u2014 Teresa Chumpitaz (winner)
\nThe Retail Concept Award, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue \u2014 Amanda Rodriguez (winner)
\nThe Collaboration Award, presented by Faith Connexion \u2014 Mauro Blanc (winner)
\nThe Editorial Award, presented by Brickell Magazine \u2014 Laura Prada (winner)
\nThe Miami Made Award, presented by Miami Fashion Week \u2014 Milagros Garc\u00eda (winner)
\nThe Sustainability Award, presented by Upcycle Project \u2014 Maryna Gorbachova (winner)<\/p>\n

In a special finale, the program unveiled a capsule collection commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring 10 innovative looks created using CLO 3D, a fashion design software that simulates and renders digital garments in real time as a virtual prototyping tool.<\/p>\n

About the Miami Fashion Institute
The Miami Fashion Institute at MDC offers South Florida\u2019s only two-year fashion program at a public institution, awarding associate degrees in fashion design and fashion merchandising. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry, MFI\u2019s curriculum blends creativity, technical training and hands-on experience. Students also have the opportunity to continue their education at prestigious four-year institutions worldwide. To learn more, visit mdc.edu\/fashion.<\/p>\n

For more information about MFI\u2019s graduate fashion show, contact Laura Neroulias of LORA PR at laura@lorapr.com or Oscar Lopez, MFI chair, at 305-237-7011 or olopez7@mdc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n

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