As Milan Fashion Week unfolds, the industry turns its gaze to a different kind of runway—one where ideas, innovation, and the future of fashion communication take center stage. From February 26 to 28, 2025, Istituto Marangoni Milano presents ‘Front Row 2025: Neo Narratives in Fashion’, a three-day series of exclusive talks that will explore the evolving landscape of fashion communication, digital transformation, and the cultural shifts redefining the industry.
The event, held at the institute’s Via Verri 4 headquarters, brings together global thought leaders, creative visionaries, and influential voices from the worlds of fashion, publishing, music, and digital media. With Ib Kamara, the acclaimed Creative Director of Off-White and Editor-in-Chief of Dazed, leading the mentorship program for students (, the event promises an intellectual runway as compelling as the fashion shows themselves.
Fashion in the Digital Age: The Evolution of Storytelling
Fashion is no longer just about garments—it’s about narratives, emotions, and cultural conversations. As the industry undergoes a digital and editorial revolution, the event will examine the new visual codes shaping fashion communication, the blurring lines between editors and stylists, and the rising influence of content creators in shaping trends.
At Front Row 2025, discussions will delve into inclusivity, provocation, and immersive experiences as new tools for engaging audiences. The talks will explore the shifting power dynamics between brands, media, and consumers, highlighting how the global fashion dialogue is being rewritten in real-time.
Front Row 2025: Highlights from the Speaker Lineup
Each session at Front Row 2025 brings together industry pioneers who are actively shaping the future of fashion communication.
Alba Melendo & Carlos Gago Rodriguez kick off the event with a discussion on celebrity styling, examining how red-carpet moments and public appearances have become a key part of brand storytelling. Hanan Besovic, the force behind @ideservecouture, will take the audience through a masterclass on the evolution of fashion magazine covers, analyzing their impact on shaping public perception and fashion trends.
Exploring the connection between music and fashion, Ariete and Silvia Ortombina (Tiny Idols) will discuss how sound and style intertwine to create powerful artistic identities. Meanwhile, Ib Kamara, one of the most visionary figures in contemporary fashion, will lead a deep dive into the visual aesthetics defining the modern era, offering insight into his boundary-pushing editorial and styling work.
The Future of Fashion Journalism and Identity in the Digital Era
Beyond aesthetics, the event will explore the transformation of fashion journalism, with Andrea Batilla and Giuliana Matarrese dissecting how digital platforms and podcasts are reshaping traditional media models.
Cultural identity and self-expression will also be central themes. The enigmatic M¥SS KETA will sit down with Francesca Delogu to discuss the role of fashion in constructing personal and artistic identity, exploring how aesthetics can be a tool for both empowerment and subversion.
Closing the event, Antonio Patruno Randolfi, Program Leader in Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni, will provide a comprehensive analysis of Milan Fashion Week’s FW25/26 runway shows, offering a unique perspective on the season’s emerging trends and industry shifts.
A Global Fashion Education Leader Driving the Industry Forward
With a 90% employability rate, Istituto Marangoni has long been a launchpad for top-tier talent. From Domenico Dolce to Alessandro Sartori, Paula Cademartori, and Gilda Ambrosio, the institute has shaped some of fashion’s most influential figures.
Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in its field, Istituto Marangoni continues to push boundaries in fashion education, offering students unparalleled access to industry insiders, cutting-edge research, and global opportunities.
With Front Row 2025, the institute once again positions itself at the heart of fashion’s most crucial conversations, ensuring that the next generation of creatives is equipped with the knowledge, inspiration, and networks to lead the industry forward.
FRONT ROW 2025: NEO NARRATIVES IN FASHION (click here for more)
Key Talks & Events
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Star Power: The Art of Celebrity Styling with Alba Melendo, in conversation with Carlos Gago Rodriguez
(February 26, 12:00 PM) -
Cover Commentary: Milan Fashion Week February 2025/26 with Hanan Besovic, the creator behind @ideservecouture (February 27, 12:00 PM)
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Sound & Style: The Voice of a New Generation Between Music and Visual Identity with Ariete, in conversation with Tiny Idols
(February 27, 2:00 PM) -
Zeitgeist in Motion: Visual Aesthetics Shaping the Spirit of the Times with Ib Kamara,The newly appointed Mentor at Istituto Marangoni Milano, in conversation with Kacion Mayers.
(February 27, 4:30 PM) -
From Print to Podcasts: Fashion Journalism Today with Andrea Batilla and Giuliana Matarrese
(February 28, 12:30 PM) -
Building a Distinctive Aesthetic: Between Mask, Style, and Identity with M¥SS KETA, in conversation with Francesca Delogu
(February 28, 3:00 PM) -
Narrated Catwalk: Decoding Fashion Week Runway Codes at Milan Fashion Week FW 25/26 with Antonio Patruno Randolfi, the Program Leader in Fashion Design at Istituto Marangoni Milano (February 28, 4:30 PM)
