When two ambitious students, Bettina Mattia and Ryan Anthony Hamilton, from the Istituto Marangoni Miami, boarded their flight to Brazil, their excitement was palpable. They were en route to a two-week internship at the headquarters of Alexandre Birman, the luxury shoe brand known for its blend of contemporary aesthetics and traditional Brazilian craftsmanship. This marked a historic occasion as the Birman factory had never before opened its doors to students or non-craftsmen for the creation of shoes.
Alexandre Birman, an iconic figure in the global fashion industry, has propelled his eponymous brand to international fame. His innovative designs, which incorporate elements of Brazilian tradition with modern sophistication, have made a significant global impact. These students were about to get a first-hand experience of what goes into making this luxury brand tick.
Reflecting on their time at the headquarters, Birman commended the interns' innovative spirit and dedication, the qualities that mirrored his brand's ethos. "Bettina and Ryan have exemplified the creativity, dedication, and innovation that are central to our brand," Birman shared. He further expressed admiration for their innovative marketing strategies for the Clarita shoe model. The students' approach to the project underscored the abundance of talent ready to make their mark in the fashion industry.
The internship began with the duo working closely to the craftspeople in the factory. They had the unique opportunity to design and create their own version of Birman's best-selling Clarita shoe. The second week of their internship was spent in the brand's main offices in Sao Paulo. Here, they delved deeper into the administrative and business aspects of a luxury fashion brand of such global acclaim.
The President of Istituto Marangoni Miami, Hakan Baykam, expressed immense pride at the students' achievements. "The opportunity to intern at a brand like Alexandre Birman, and to learn from the inside out, has been transformative for Bettina and Ryan. Their dedication and creative spirit truly embody the values of our institute. We aim to prepare the leaders of tomorrow's fashion industry, and this internship has significantly contributed towards that goal," said Baykam.
Both students were humbled and overwhelmed by their experience. Bettina reflected, "Working with Alexandre Birman and his team was an honor. I've gained an in-depth understanding of the level of passion, commitment, and innovation required to lead in this industry," Ryan said.
Upon returning to Miami, each student presented a creative marketing plan for the Clarita shoe's 15th-anniversary celebration. Their presentations were a testament to their evolved understanding of the industry, creative thinking, and business acumen.
Amy Berkowitz, a professor at Istituto Marangoni Miami who oversaw the internship, praised the students for their commitment and resourcefulness. She also expressed gratitude to Alexandre Birman for fostering these upcoming talents. She said, "The strength of our partnership with Alexandre Birman is evident in the unique opportunities it provides to our students."
This successful collaboration between Alexandre Birman and Istituto Marangoni Miami underscores the significant opportunities available to young and dedicated fashion enthusiasts in the global fashion industry. It also stands as a testament to the enriching partnerships that can truly shape the industry's future leaders.