Accreditation?
Definitely.
Our
Experts
-
Carlo
D’ArmarioCEO at Vivienne Westwood | Advisory Board
-
Jeff
CarvahloCo-Founder of Highsnobiety | Professor
-
Silvia
CarvahloFounder & Creative Director at Silvia Tcherassi | Advisory Board
-
Rosa
TousVice-President of TOUS | Advisory Board
-
Laure
Heriad DubreuilFounder & CEO of The Webster | Advisory Board
-
Alexandre
BirmanCEO/CCO of Arezzo & Co. | Advisory Board
-
Francisco
CostaFounder & CCO of Costa Brazil | Advisory Board
-
Johanna
OrtizFounder & Creative Director of Johanna Ortiz | Advisory Board
-
Eyan
AllenFormer Creative Director at Hugo Boss, Nike & Puma | Professor
-
Mario
BraghieriFashion Design Program Director
-
Dr. Thelma
Lazo FloresDean of Interior Design
-
Alessandro
De PestelFormer CMO at Under Armour | Professor
-
Amy
BerkowitzFashion Program Leader Events & Competitions
Carlo
D’Armario
Carlo D’Amario is a distinctive fashion industry figure known for his entrepreneurial spirit and deep-seated principles that challenge conventional business models. As a critical partner in Vivienne Westwood’s fashion empire, D’Amario holds a 30% stake and has been instrumental in expanding the brand’s global presence. His journey in fashion began with a stint at Fiorucci, followed by founding his own PR company, Casanova, before fully committing to Westwood in the late ’80s. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach across 30 countries and introduced the Anglomania sportswear line and a Vivienne Westwood fragrance. D’Amario’s approach blends a staunch critique of mass production and a commitment to craftsmanship, aiming to foster a business environment that values creativity and long-term employment. His strategic vision has helped transform Westwood’s operations, propelling the brand into a globally recognized name in fashion.
Jeff
Carvahlo
With more than 24 years experience in media and marketing, Jeff Carvalho is one of the leading authorities in both youth culture and web3 media. He's played a very important role in building a space for young designers and creatives to express their works as cofounder of Highsnobiety, the leading global lifestyle media and ecommerce brand that brought sneakers, streetwear, fashion and luxury to the mainstream. He co founded in 2021 and "Culture Club Show" a weekly audio that intersected crypto with the arts. With the rise of blockchain and web3 technology, Carvalho was early adopter and evangelist in helping bring culture on chain. Carvalho is also an active educator, advisor and mentor helping bring new startups and ideas to market.
Silvia
Carvahlo
A true trailblazer, innovator, and trendsetter, Silvia Tcherassi is one of the leading figures in fashion. She has been awarded one of France’s highest honors –the Officier de L’Ordre Arts et Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), a distinction bestowed on leaders of the international arts community for their “contribution and commitment to cultural service.” The pioneer of the Latin flair—according to WWD—was born in Colombia, on the shores of the Caribbean. Tcherassi began her career as an interior designer, but the search for new artistic expressions led her into fashion. Her creations have been presented during the official calendar of Paris and Milan fashion weeks and invited as a special guest by their organizers. “Silvia Tcherassi” collections are available worldwide through her own namesake 15 stores in prime locations across Europe, North America, and South America, historic department stores, some of the most famous multi-brand boutiques, and premier online luxury fashion retailers. She is also the founder and creative director of the brand extension Tcherassi Hotels, which is focused on the conceptual development of hospitality and real estate projects. Her debut property, Tcherassi Hotel + Spa in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, was selected by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one of the best in the world.
Rosa
Tous
Rosa Tous is the corporate vice president of TOUS Jewelry, a renowned global jewelry and accessories brand founded by her family in Spain. Since joining the family business, Rosa has played a pivotal role in propelling TOUS from a local store into an international powerhouse with a presence in over 50 countries. Known for her keen business acumen and dedication to brand integrity, Rosa's leadership has been integral in crafting TOUS’s signature style—a blend of traditional artisanship with modern design, famously symbolized by their iconic teddy bear motif. Rosa is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and actively involves TOUS in various philanthropic activities. Her influence extends beyond the boardroom as she actively participates in women's leadership forums and initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs globally.
Laure
Heriad Dubreuil
Laure Heriard Dubreuil, founder and CEO of The Webster, infused French sophistication into Miami by opening her iconic South Beach boutique in June 2009 amid a retail crisis. Originally from Paris, Laure was drawn to Miami's vibrant energy during Art Basel, inspiring her to create The Webster. With a background in business and Mandarin, she sharpened her fashion industry skills in NYC at Balenciaga and as head merchandiser at Yves Saint Laurent. Laure’s career includes notable stints at prestigious French luxury houses, leading to collaborations with sought-after brands at The Webster. Known for its unique merchandising and vibrant atmosphere, The Webster has expanded to ten locations across the US, reflecting Laure's distinctive style and French-American fusion. Beyond fashion, she supports Mothers 2 Mothers to combat HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Laure now lives in Miami with her family and continues to guide The Webster's growth, recently opening a pop-up in Palm Beach.
Alexandre
Birman
Alexandre Birman, a prominent Brazilian designer, is the CEO of Arezzo & Co., one of the largest shoe companies in Brazil, which encompasses brands like Schutz, Anacapri, and his own luxury line, Alexandre Birman. His designs, known for their exotic skins and vibrant hues, are favorites among celebrities such as Blake Lively and Kate Middleton. Born into a family of shoemakers, Birman launched his first brand, Schutz, in 1995 with a $3 million investment from his father. The brand quickly became successful, leading to its incorporation into Arezzo & Co. Today, Arezzo & Co. sells over 11 million pairs of shoes annually, with a strong market presence in Brazil and growing international reach. Birman continues to expand his influence, focusing on increasing the global footprint of his luxury label, which is stocked by major retailers worldwide.
Francisco
Costa
During his 13-year tenure as creative director of Calvin Klein Collection’s womenswear line, Francisco Costa’s minimal aesthetic and idiosyncratic color palette won the designer widespread critical acclaim. However, in April 2016, Calvin Klein announced that Costa would exit the brand as part of a new global creative strategy, unifying all Calvin Klein brands under one creative vision. Following his departure from the American label and a six-month hiatus, Costa headed up his own beauty line, Costa Brazil, starting with a body oil and face oil, which he revealed in early 2019. Costa first entered fashion, having moved to New York from his native Brazil following his mother’s untimely death. Despite not knowing English, the designer studied English during the day at Hunter College and took night classes at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Following a stint working for Herbert Rounik, Costa was taken on by dressmaker Oscar De La Renta. “He taught me the most,” Costa once said. “And not just the craft, but life. Oscar is full of life and genuinely interested in what’s good.” The Brazilian stayed at Oscar De La Renta until he was appointed chief womenswear designer at Gucci by Tom Ford, along with Christopher Bailey and Clare Waight Keller. Costa’s name was originally brought to the attention of Calvin Klein by Barry Schwartz, Klein’s partner, in 2001. He joined Calvin Klein in 2003 and was promoted to creative director a year later. In 2006 and 2008, Francisco won the CDFA’s prestigious Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
Johanna
Ortiz
The Colombia native’s signature ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouettes perfectly capture the spirit of Latin America and have resonated with industry insiders and consumers alike. Ortiz’s vibrant colors and feminine silhouettes have proved commercially successful, earning her worldwide stockists and a loyal clientele base. The designer has become something of a fashion ambassador for Colombia and has been invited to show her collections at the White House in Washington and the United Nations in New York. She is currently expanding into new categories, having made a bridalwear debut with an exclusive collection for e-tailer Moda Operandi. Ortiz studied fashion design in Florida, graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with honors before returning to Colombia to start her namesake couture label in 2001. It wasn’t until 2014 that she started showing at Colombiamoda in Medellin and Circulo de la Moda in Bogota — two of the country’s biggest fashion weeks — and was met with critical acclaim. The following year, she took the label global with an exclusive collection for Moda Operandi, and today, it is stocked at some of the world’s top retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Lane Crawford, Bergdorf Goodman, and Net-a-Porter. Ortiz is proud of her heritage, which strongly influences her creative aesthetic. To give back to the community, her label prioritizes working with indigenous communities and women in Colombia.
Eyan
Allen
Eyan Allen, a British designer in fashion and interiors, completed studies at the Royal College of Art. With over 24 years of professional experience, he has overseen creative teams internationally for well-known brands such as Puma, Nike, and HUGO BOSS. His designs have been showcased in German VOGUE. He went on to hold the role of Creative Director for leading fashion labels in China. In 2020, he established EWA CREATIVE consultancy and works as a full-time professor at Istituto Marangoni Miami.
Mario
Braghieri
Mario Braghieri, with more than three decades of experience in fashion production, started his career in his family's manufacturing business. After graduating from Istituto Marangoni, he gained experience with renowned brands such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. While continuing to consult in production, Mario ventured into education and collaborated with esteemed names like Emporio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. Over 27 years, he has played a key role in the global growth of Istituto Marangoni, utilizing his knowledge in garment construction and pattern making.
Dr. Thelma
Lazo Flores
Dr. Lazo-Flores has been in the creative industry and higher education for over thirty years. She has been a design educator in both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels of interior architecture, landscape architecture, furniture design, product and interface design, industrial design, and studio art programs in the US, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines. She has professionally practiced for over ten years, covering luxury residential design, commercial offices, hospitality spaces, trade shows, and military buildings in various parts of the world. She received her Ph.D. in Design Science and Planning from Chiba University, Japan, with a Japanese Ministry of Education scholarship.
Alessandro
De Pestel
With 24 years of expertise, Alessandro has been a trailblazer in digital marketing and brand value in various markets and industries. As the former Chief Marketing Officer at Under Armour, he oversaw all marketing activities. Alessandro also served in high-level positions at Tommy Hilfiger Global/PVH Europe, Christian Dior Parfums, and Omega Watches, driving international coherence and promotional plans for advancing product goals and projects.
Amy
Berkowitz
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978 and subsequently ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as a faculty member at Marangoni Istituto Miami.
July 2, 2026
