Fashion
The Miami Fashion Institute (MFI), which is part of Miami Dade College, has built an excellent reputation as a dynamic program under the leadership of Oscar Lopez, Chairperson of Fashion Programs. Recently, on June 5th at the DuPont building, the students presented a multi-faceted graduation fashion show showcasing the vibrant fashion scene emerging from Miami.
Updated 03:39 pm EDT, September 2, 2025
Published 03:37 pm EDT, September 2, 2025
Fashion Designers: Emanuele Conte, Sarah Lopez, Ajahni Salmon, Kiara Cardozo, Nicholas Galdeano, Genesis Vargas, Armando Torres
Fashion Stylist: Karo Delgobbo
Styling & Production Assistants: Pablo Palomeque, Betina Bak
Hair & Make-up Artist: Emanuelle Duarte
Models: Alleya Seaver, Brianna Calixte, Stevan Miladinović
Modeling Agency: Posche Models
Photography: Flávio Iryoda, Sofiia Chernovil
Special Thanks: Oscar Lopez, Tyler Molinari
Meet the next wave of Miami Emerging Fashion Designers 2025
MIAMI’s fashion scene is increasingly RECOGNIZED as a HOTSPOT for several COMPELLING reasons that go BEYOND its sun-drenched beaches, SOOTHING heat, and DYNAMIC nightlife. One of THE MOST significant factors is the city’s DIVERSE CULTURES, which combine to make MIAMI such a creative HOTBED. The STUDENTS at MFI are IMMERSED in the rich CULTURES of Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, which inspire BOLD, ECLECTIC styles that STAND OUT from traditional FASHION CAPITALS. This MULTICULTURAL MIX is a TESTAMENT to Miami’s significant IMPACT on the FASHION WORLD.
Students at Miami Fashion Institute (MFI), are not just part of the fashion scene in Miami; they are its creators. Living in neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Design District, they are immersed in the city’s contemporary art scene and the emerging designs of other couturiers. They draw inspiration from the growing number of fashion entrepreneurs and independent designers in Miami, who are setting unique examples of success for the students.
The theme for the fashion show was “Miami Made,” and the students responded by creating an eclectic mix of youthful, sexy, and innovative designs. Some of the presenting students were Emanuele Conte, Sarah Lopez, Ajahni Salmon, Kiara Cardozo, Nicholas Galdeano, Genesis Vargas, and Armando Torres.
“This show represents more than just the end of a program—it’s the beginning of our students’ futures as fashion professionals. Each collection is a reflection of their unique voices, their technical mastery, and their ability to innovate in an ever-evolving global industry.”
One designer, Sarah Lopez, was especially impressive with her unique avant-garde outlook on streetwear, incorporating plaid elements. One outfit combined a collage of plaid fabrics to create a fun shirt, but what elevated the look was a complex and fun pair of jeans that sported a demi-skirt of plaid to create a fashion-forward look, but still youthful and eminently wearable. She stated her work is inspired by creativity, particularly fashion and music. She has expressed aspirations of starting her clothing brand and collaborating with various singers.
Ajahni Salmon, presented both women’s and men’s wear with very modern short black outfits. The designs were beautifully structured and fitted to the body, while still maintaining an elegance through their sensual vibe. Paired with boots, it was a variation of biker chic but with a Miami vibe.
Kiara Cardozo, another graduate, presented a metallic silver top with a looser fit but very modern looking as it matches with an above-the-knee skirt made of a feathery fabric. The top has dreamy embossed silver patterns, which were eye-catching and elegant. Kiara’s capsule seemed inspired by the city of Miami itself, with its Art Deco aesthetic.
Nicholas Galdeano’s capsule collection had a gorgeous grey top with puff shoulders, a high neck, and a V-shape that resembles a futuristic corset, paired with a gauzy skirt and bikini bottom. He intelligently uses a single color while aggressively playing with shapes. Nicholas’s work reflects a bold, punk-meets-streetwear vision. AVESSA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the MFI graduates. We are eagerly anticipating how their unique contributions will further enrich the glorious fashion pastiche of Miami.
Recovering from an obsession with Italian-designed menswear, Alfonso decided to take a deeper look into women’s fashion to see how our relationship among clothing, society, and business has changed. Educated as an economist with an MBA, he travels between Chicago, Miami, and Mexico on a search to see what happens next to fashion.
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