By Giulia Piceni. Cover image courtesy of Amina Muaddi.
Amina Muaddi is here. The world of fashion accessories is a highly creative and lucrative business. According to market research firm Statista, this industry is expected to grow and generate a revenue of 578 billion dollars in 2024. In terms of fashion design and product development, many dream of learning from a luxury shoe designer like Amina Muaddi. As Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it. And now it’s time to try!
For many, a scholarship can really make a difference and help them access the fashion world; when it is coupled with mentorship, well, this is what we’d call a ‘full package’!
The latest scholarship offered by Istituto Marangoni Firenze, titled Design Your Future, is specifically for courses in Fashion Design & Accessories, starting in September 2024.
Partnering with the amazing shoe and accessory designer Amina Muaddi, known for her distinctive pyramid heels and transparent shoes, this scholarship includes a mentorship program that accompanies the students throughout their three-year academic journey.
In order to have a chance to participate in the selection, applicants are required to submit a distinctive project. Keep for more information on how to apply!
AMINA MUADDI’S SUCCESS STORY
Before we delve into the specific requests for this contest, here is a brief introduction of the mentor who will select the best projects. Take a close look at her academic and professional journey, as understanding these details will give you insight into how to capture her attention and appreciation.
Amina Muaddi is the founder and creative director of her eponymous luxury shoe and accessories brand, which has become a coveted choice among many celebrities. Now a mentor for fashion programs at Istituto Marangoni Firenze, Muaddi combines her classic training with a forward-thinking, avant-garde style. Her meticulously crafted shoes, all made in Italy, are known for their striking pyramid heels and sculptural designs, achieving cult status in a remarkably short time since the brand’s establishment in 2018.
Born to a Jordanian father and a Romanian mother, Amina Muaddi grew up in Jordan, Romania, and Italy, studying fashion in Milan. She worked as a stylist for L’Uomo Vogue and GQ US in New York before honing her craft in Riviera del Brenta, Italy’s renowned shoe-making district, which sparked her deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind footwear. In 2012, Muaddi co-founded Oscar Tiye in Milan, later moving to Paris in 2017. She then gained acclaim, collaborating with Alexandre Vauthier and designing his shoe line for five years. In 2018, she launched her own brand, which quickly sold out at prestigious retailers like Bergdorf Goodman and Harrods. In 2019, Rihanna commissioned her to design footwear for Fenty, while in 2023, she received the Neiman Marcus Award for Innovation in Fashion. Muaddi’s impact is evident through collaborations with Wolford and AWGE, as well as features in TV series such as Euphoria and Insecure.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP WITH AMINA MUADDI
After this quick identikit of the mentor who will select the projects, here is some detailed information about the contest.
The submission deadline for the creative proposal is June 20. Your creative proposal should include a shoe design and a bag or three complete looks. The project should emphasise a few keywords, such as eclecticism, cosmopolitan sensibility, luxury, sustainability and craftsmanship. A focus on innovative materials and technological research is highly encouraged. Participants are free to use various tools to present their ideas, such as digital or hand drawings, mixed media/collage/compositions, or any other means that align with the proposal. Creative proposals should be accompanied by a description of up to 300 words explaining the concept.
With all of this information in mind, you can now put yourself to work and unleash your creativity: the beginning of your academic journey is just a (high-heeled) step away!
