Istituto Marangoni Miami (IMM) and acclaimed Italian designer Sara Battaglia unveiled their “Red Collar” shirt capsule collection during Miami Art Week, using fashion as a platform to raise awareness of gender-based violence. Held on the first night of the week’s festivities, the event brought together leading figures from fashion, music, film, and entertainment tof a project that unites creativity, solidarity, and social responsibility. The “Red Collar” shirts, distinguished by their vibrant hue, symbolize women’s strength in overcoming abuse and serve as a global emblem against violence.
The special edition shirts, showcased for the first time at IMM, were crafted by students from Istituto Marangoni Miami as well as notable public figures, blending emerging talent with seasoned visionaries. Guests had the opportunity to bid on these unique pieces during an exclusive auction, with proceeds benefiting IMM’s scholarship fund. These scholarships will provide financial assistance to underprivileged students pursuing careers at The Miami School of Fashion and Design, reinforcing education as a critical pathway to empowerment.
Among the most compelling contributions to the collection were pieces by luminaries like Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Rossy de Palma, Lola Schnabel, and Elizabeth Sulcer. Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert’s version, in particular, was adorned with 3,000 red Swarovski crystals, ultimately fetching the highest bid of $500 USD. The involvement of influential creatives underscored the universal resonance of the campaign and highlighted the transformative power of fashion to inspire meaningful dialogue.
Beyond the design elements, the “Red Collar” shirts carry a deeper significance in their production. Each garment was made in collaboration with Dritto Filo, an anti-violence center providing employment and holistic support to women survivors of abuse. By forging this partnership, the collection not only raises funds and awareness but also directly helps women rebuild their lives, weaving a narrative of resilience and renewal into every stitch.
The presence of key figures—such as Designer Sara Battaglia, IMM President and CEO Hakan Baykam, IMM Executive Vice President Eva Hughes, and other cultural tastemakers—emphasized the importance of fashion education and advocacy. As Baykam noted, the initiative offered students an opportunity to engage with a pressing social issue, reinforcing fashion’s capacity to influence public discourse. Battaglia herself positioned the project as an emblem of education, solidarity, and rebirth, empowering the next generation of designers to harness their craft for social impact.
For those wishing to explore or acquire these designs, the classic “Red Collar” shirts will be available at The Webster Miami until December 31, with public viewings of the reimagined shirts scheduled from December 2nd and continuing after December 7th. Together, IMM, Battaglia, and their collaborators have demonstrated how fashion can transcend aesthetics, serving not only as a medium of self-expression but also as a force for positive change.
