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It’s no secret that Miami is the resort-wear fashion capital of the United States. Between its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the artistic energy of Wynwood and the Design District, the city has naturally evolved into a hub for fashion education — and the proud home of its own celebrated Miami Fashion Week.
This year, I had the privilege of attending both Miami Fashion Week and its partnered Fashion Summit with Miami Dade College’s Miami Fashion Institute (MFI). Hosted on October 22 at MDC’s Wolfson Campus in the heart of downtown, MFI has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, reflecting a surge of interest in fashion careers. The institute now boasts more than 300 students enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester — an 18 percent increase from the previous year.
Offering a two-year A.A. program, MFI equips aspiring designers with the essential tools for success. Courses such as CLO 3D, draping, CAD illustration, and patternmaking prepare students for the realities of a modern, technology-driven fashion industry. Graduates also have the opportunity to transfer to prestigious institutions around the world, including FIT, SCAD, and Polimoda. Beyond the classroom, MFI encourages students to network, pursue internships, and showcase their creativity in its annual end-of-year fashion show — a launching pad for emerging talent.
Among MFI’s most impactful collaborations is its ongoing partnership with Miami Fashion Week, which co-hosts the yearly Summit. The 2025 edition focused on Technology and Sustainability, spotlighting Miami’s growing influence in sustainable garment production. The program brought together designers, educators, and innovators from across the globe, including Gabriella Smith, founder of The UpCycle Project, and acclaimed designers Yenny Bastida, Sitka Semsch, Clara Lago, Ximena Kavalekas, and Andrea Minski.
The Summit also welcomed two icons of the fashion world: Nicole Miller and Naeem Khan, both recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Moderated by MDC President Madeline Pumariega, the discussion offered students an intimate look into the creative and business realities of the fashion industry.
Nicole Miller, famed for her contemporary reinterpretations of the little black dress, spoke candidly about her journey as a female designer and entrepreneur. She offered invaluable insights into navigating a competitive industry and treating fashion as both an art and a business. Attendees were treated to a private viewing of her latest collection — a striking mix of upcycled materials and military-inspired prints.
Naeem Khan, this year’s Miami Fashion Week keynote speaker and one of the city’s most steadfast supporters, headlined the week with a breathtaking fashion show and gala benefiting MFI. During the event, he received an official proclamation from the City of Miami, presented by Commissioner Oliver Gilbert. A CFDA-honored designer, Khan first rose to international fame when First Lady Michelle Obama wore his gown in 2015 for a state dinner honoring the President of India. Since then, he has dressed countless celebrities — including Sabrina Carpenter, who recently wore his design on Saturday Night Live.
In his keynote address, Khan reflected on his journey from Mumbai to Miami, emphasizing the importance of freedom — both creative and cultural — a fitting theme as Miami Fashion Week paid tribute to the newly renovated Freedom Tower.
The week concluded on October 25 with a stunning finale: Quiet Grief 2026 by Colombian designer Jhoan Sebastian Grey, winner of Project Runway Season 17. Held at The Gale Hotel in downtown Miami, the show was a masterclass in fabric manipulation and leather craftsmanship, a tribute to Grey’s family’s long-standing leather tradition in Colombia.
His ready-to-wear collection featured tailored trench coats, sharp pantsuits, flowing skirts, and modern mini dresses — each piece defined by refined construction, basket weaving, and leather braiding. With a palette transitioning from earthy browns to black, white, and chartreuse, and fabrics ranging from lace to sheer organza and plaid, the presentation was both powerful and poetic. The show ended to a standing ovation as Grey joined his models on the runway.
In the end, Miami Fashion Week 2025 once again proved that this city is more than a destination — it’s a movement. It’s where sustainability meets glamour, where craftsmanship meets innovation, and where education fuels the next generation of creative visionaries.
Miami isn’t just following fashion trends — it’s setting them, one runway at a time.
