Runway
The Fashion Institute of Florida Graduation Show 2026 showcased rising designers competing for a chance to be at New York Fashion Week.
Updated 02:29 pm EST, March 3, 2026
Published 02:29 pm EST, March 3, 2026
Photography: Oscar Tabares
The Fashion Institute of Florida Graduation Show 2026 showcased rising designers competing for a chance to be at New York Fashion Week.
Updated 02:29 pm EST, March 3, 2026
Published 02:29 pm EST, March 3, 2026
Photography: Oscar Tabares
On January 29, 2026, the Fashion Institute of FL (FIF) held its annual graduation and fashion show at the 901 Event and Conference Center in North Miami, featuring student designers showcasing their collections as a culmination of their studies. Founder, CEO, and Fashion Designer Rucht D’Oleo-Schwartz once again excelled in creating this fantastic production, developing her students’ talents and abilities, and empowering them to become future leaders in fashion.
The graduation and fashion show competition consisted of a two-part process, in which the graduating students presented their designs on the runway. The Fashion Venture was the second official judging phase, in which the student designers pitched their business concepts to a panel of three fashion industry experts.
Their presentation allowed them to develop and present their brand vision and identity, strategic methods, and message, and further gave them real-life experience with a tangible head start in the fashion industry. In the end, one designer got selected to launch their brand and debut a 10-piece collection at New York Fashion Week in September 2026.
Opening the show was Justin Beltran with his modern take of French history meets menswear. With his navy, white and red palette, to the luscious velvet and silks and strings of pearls, it was a sleek and regal collection. Silhouettes of petticoats and corset styles of bygone days and vests and suiting called me to the courts of a modern French aristocracy.
Justin Beltran’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
Skinlove Edouard with her brand Koki Doréa brought a playful take with her peacock infused lineup of blue, gold and white. Her designs were highlighted by an intersection of paneled silhouettes and her use of lines, accentuated by pearl features.
Skinlove Edouard’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
Gyvanna Gabriel brought a black and white collection, where she explored texture and contrast, and closed with a bride and long trailing veil.
Gyvanna Gabriel’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
Isabelle Ossa, brand Rumaru, brought in a natural tone with her black and raffia collection that had pops of swirled blues and white reminiscent of the clouds, sky and ocean waves among the landscapes.
Isabelle Ossa’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
Keiondra Payne with her brand KEIKI took you underwater and captivated you with her standout pieces. From the depths of the ocean with blue silks and iridescent fabrics dazzling and dancing like the sun through the water, to the voluminous shell that held model Mulata like a pearl, it was a lustrous and exhilarating journey. Finishing with the showstopper two-in-one dress with removable skirt that opened up to an electric, party worthy jumpsuit with tiered, ruffled hem, it was a liquid and lively collection through and through.
Keiondra Payne’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
Liza Vallejos, brand IZA Apparel, was a vibrant, tropical delight for the eyes. Her collection included both womenswear and menswear and was a bold burst of pinks and purples in beautiful floral and hummingbird prints. Her final dress included a surprise element with a removable ruffle tier at the hem.
Liza Vallejos’ collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
The winner of FIF’s annual graduation fashion show competition was Marialejandra Blanco with her brand Bluebird Society. With a collection of four looks, each piece was handcrafted with love – from the clothing down to the hats and handbags. With a black and white color palette, geometric prints, and three-dimensional floral borders, the collection was layers of depth. Her use of asymmetry, negative space, and exaggerated hip gores were striking elements to her collection. Each model carried a white rose that upon closing her collection, they each handed their roses to a lucky guest. Marialejandra’s next stop – New York Fashion Week in September where she will show her 10-piece collection, sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Florida.
Marialejandra Blanco’s collection presented at the Fashion Institute of Florida Graduate Show 2026
In addition to the fashion show, a graduation ceremony commemorated the new graduates along with speeches by graduating designer Liza Vallejos and the Keynote speaker FIF alumni and 2024 winner Stephanie Miot. At the end of the show while awaiting the judges’ decision, the guests were serenaded with a live performance by local singer Alba Legro. It was truly a memorable night for the Fashion Institute of Florida and its graduating class of 2026, and I cannot wait to see what designs and fashion moments we see from these dynamic, emerging designers.
With a fashion buyer grandmother and Mack Sennett Studios producer as a great grandfather, Dana’s love for Old Hollywood and fashion ignited. Sparking wonder, accentuating one’s being, helping them reach their potential, and knowing how valuable they are is always central to everything she does.
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