{"id":331096,"date":"2026-07-06T20:41:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T20:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/331096\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T20:41:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T20:41:11","slug":"mdc-miami-fashion-institute-celebrates-10-years-with-2026-graduate-fashion-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/331096\/","title":{"rendered":"MDC Miami Fashion Institute Celebrates 10 Years with 2026 Graduate Fashion Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Every designer starts somewhere, and for Miami Fashion Institute\u2019s Class of 2026, that moment came under the lights of the historic Freedom Tower.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On June 4, Miami Dade College\u2019s Miami Fashion Institute (MFI), in partnership with Miami Fashion Week, presented its annual Graduate Fashion Show, giving graduating students the opportunity to debut the collections they had spent months creating. The evening also marked a major milestone for the institute as it celebrated 10 years of educating and inspiring the next generation of fashion professionals.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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The evening opened with a look back at MFI\u2019s first decade, recognizing the faculty, students and industry partners who have helped build the program into what it is today. Guests then turned their attention to the runway, where a select group of graduating designers presented collections that reflected their own point of view, technical skills and creativity.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The collections were selected by an accomplished panel that included Miami Fashion Week Executive Managing Director Lourdes Fernandez-Velasco, designer Naeem Khan, Maria Buccellati of Faith Connexion and celebrity stylist Danny Santiago, who also produced the runway presentation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Renowned illustrator Ruben Toledo served as the evening\u2019s guest of honor after spending time with students throughout the week. He later addressed the graduating class, offering encouragement as they prepare to begin their careers in the fashion industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Following the runway show, students were recognized for their work during the annual awards presentation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Teresa Chumpitaz received the Ruben and Isabel Toledo Award, one of the evening\u2019s highest honors.<\/p>\n

\u201cReceiving the Isabel & Ruben Toledo Award was incredibly meaningful because it affirmed not only my creative vision, but also my journey of rebuilding through fashion,\u201d Chumpitaz said. \u201cAs an emerging designer, I see fashion as a tool for transformation, storytelling and empowerment, so being recognized by artists whose work embodies individuality and imagination feels deeply validating.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She said the award encourages her to continue building her brand while remaining true to her vision. Chumpitaz also shared that she looks forward to participating in a private roundtable and receiving mentorship from Ruben Toledo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Milagros Garc\u00eda was presented with the Miami Made Award by Miami Fashion Week.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI am incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Miami Made Award from Miami Fashion Week,\u201d Garc\u00eda said. \u201cIt was completely unexpected. This award means a great deal to me because my collection represents a project that I invested so much dedication, passion and hard work into. It is incredibly rewarding to see others connect with and believe in the vision behind my work.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She said the recognition gave her confidence to continue exploring her creativity while building a career in the fashion industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Other award recipients included Amanda Rodriguez, who received the Retail Concept Award presented by Saks Fifth Avenue; Mauro Blanc, who earned the Collaboration Award presented by Faith Connexion; Laura Prada, who received the Editorial Award presented by Brickell Magazine; and Maryna Gorbachova, who was honored with the Sustainability Award presented by Upcycle Project.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The evening ended with a special capsule collection celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The presentation featured 10 looks created using CLO 3D, giving guests a glimpse into how digital design is becoming an increasingly important part of the fashion industry. The project was inspired by a recent class collaboration in which students designed athletic uniforms for Miami Dade College, with two of those designs selected for production through a partnership with Adidas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As MFI celebrates its first decade, this year\u2019s graduate show was a reminder that fashion is always evolving\u2014and so are the designers behind it. For the Class of 2026, the runway was more than a final assignment. It was the beginning of the next chapter.\u00a0<\/p>\n

*Photo credit: Miami-Dade College<\/p>\n


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