On December 2, 2024, Miami Art Week began with a remarkable fusion of fashion and advocacy as Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) and renowned designer Sara Battaglia unveiled the "Red Collar" collection. Hosted at IMM’s luxurious campus, the evening served as a canvas for creativity, solidarity, and social change, attended by an illustrious guest list of industry leaders, celebrities, and philanthropists. The event shone a spotlight on gender-based violence, intertwining artistry with activism to inspire action.
Among the distinguished guests were Sara Battaglia herself, IMM President and CEO Hakan Baykam, celebrity stylist Elizabeth Sulcer, model Clementine Desseaux, and Carmen Busquets, a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. With DJ ilMuretto curating the music and luminaries such as Rossy de Palma and Lola Schnabel contributing designs, the atmosphere was one of innovation and purpose.
At the heart of the evening was the "Red Collar" collection—a capsule of tailored shirts that transform the universal language of fashion into a rallying cry against abuse. Crafted by IMM students, fashion luminaries, and survivors, the designs celebrate women’s strength and resilience. The centerpiece of the evening was the red-collar shirt reimagined by Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Creative Director of Swarovski. Encrusted with 3,000 red Swarovski crystals, this design was auctioned for $500, marking the highest bid of the night. Proceeds directly benefit IMM’s scholarship fund, empowering underprivileged students to pursue their creative dreams.
The shirts were produced by Dritto Filo, an anti-violence organization offering survivors of abuse employment and rehabilitation through artisanal fashion. This initiative empowers women to reclaim independence, teaching them industry skills while fostering a sense of community and purpose. Every stitch embodies their journey from adversity to triumph, making the "Red Collar" shirts not only wearable art but symbols of renewal.
Adding a layer of prestige, the collection featured exclusive designs from notable figures such as Rossy de Palma, Lola Schnabel, and Elizabeth Sulcer. Each piece reflects a deeply personal interpretation of the red collar’s powerful symbolism. These designs, alongside the works of IMM’s talented students, will remain on display at the institution through December.
Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert summarized the project’s impact:
"The Red Collar project is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. This initiative celebrates artistry while addressing a cause that transcends fashion—helping rebuild lives affected by gender-based violence."
Sara Battaglia encapsulated the evening’s ethos:
"The Red Collar project is an emblem of education, solidarity, and rebirth. Fashion becomes a platform for meaningful change, empowering the next generation to create designs with a purpose."
The event underscored IMM’s commitment to blending Italian craftsmanship with modern advocacy, positioning fashion as a medium for societal progress.
The "Red Collar" shirts are now available for purchase at The Webster Miami until December 31, 2024. Each piece serves as a statement of style and a tangible contribution to raising awareness and funds for survivors of abuse.
For those seeking a unique and meaningful addition to their wardrobe, these designs symbolize hope, resilience, and the enduring power of creativity.
Discover more about the “Red Collar” project and its mission by visiting IMM’s official website or following @istitutomarangoni_miami on Instagram. Explore Sara Battaglia’s sophisticated collections at Sara Battaglia’s official website or @sarabattaglia on Instagram.