| By Elena Sendona on February 24, 2025 |
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
Location: Istituto Marangoni Milano, Via Verri 4
Dates: February 26–28, 2025
DAY 1: FEBRUARY 26, 2025 – THE POWER OF IMAGE & CELEBRITY CULTURE
10:00 AM – OPENING SESSION
Welcome & Introduction to Front Row 2025
10:30 AM – THE IMPACT OF CELEBRITY STYLING
Speakers: Alba Melendo & Carlos Gago Rodriguez
A deep dive into how celebrity red carpet looks and public appearances shape modern brand storytelling and consumer engagement.
12:00 PM – THE EVOLUTION OF FASHION MAGAZINE COVERS
Speaker: Hanan Besovic (@ideservecouture)
How iconic covers have defined eras, trends, and the role of fashion publications in shaping public perception.
2:00 PM – FASHION & MUSIC: A CREATIVE SYNERGY
Speakers: Ariete & Silvia Ortombina (Tiny Idols)
Exploring how sound and style influence artistic identities and brand collaborations in the music industry.
DAY 2: FEBRUARY 27, 2025 – STYLE, SELF-EXPRESSION & NEW MEDIA
10:00 AM – IN CONVERSATION WITH IB KAMARA
Speaker: Ib Kamara (Creative Director of Off-White, Editor-in-Chief of Dazed)
A masterclass on visual aesthetics, inclusivity, and new forms of editorial storytelling in the fashion landscape.
12:00 PM – THE FUTURE OF FASHION JOURNALISM
Speakers: Andrea Batilla & Giuliana Matarrese
A discussion on the evolution of media, from traditional journalism to digital storytelling and podcasts.
2:00 PM – IDENTITY & PERFORMANCE IN FASHION
Speakers: M¥SS KETA & Francesca Delogu
Exploring how fashion can be a tool for identity construction, empowerment, and cultural subversion.
DAY 3: FEBRUARY 28, 2025 – INDUSTRY INSIGHTS & FUTURE TRENDS
10:00 AM – DESIGN INNOVATION & MATERIALITY
Speaker: Antonio Patruno Randolfi (Program Leader in Fashion Design, Istituto Marangoni)
An exploration of how new materials, sustainability, and technology are reshaping fashion design.
12:00 PM – MILAN FASHION WEEK FW25/26: SHOW ANALYSIS & TRENDS
Speaker: Antonio Patruno Randolfi
A comprehensive breakdown of the Milan Fashion Week shows, discussing key runway trends and industry shifts.
2:00 PM – CLOSING REMARKS & NETWORKING SESSION
Final reflections on the state of fashion communication and an opportunity for guests to connect with industry leaders.
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