Mariano Scardino

I am convinced, now more than ever, of the necessity to narrate the rapid changes taking place in the fashion system. The focus of my lessons is the evolving culture of fashion, the recounting of our recent past, so that students have a memory of a unique Italian creative phenomenon in the world, which featured the great designers of the 1980s. It is necessary to tell the story. It is important to combine memory and analysis of the past with the ability to grasp and interpret the new emerging values in fashion: Eco-ideality, Sustainability, Conscious consumption, Tailoring, Craftsmanship, Integrated communication, Artificial Intelligence, and New technologies.

Fashion is a culture of change, a mirror of social evolution. The new generation of students must be able to analyze the legacy left by great designers through critical lenses, while also looking responsibly and ethically at the future of the industry. After studying Philosophy, obtaining a degree in Sociology, and completing a master's in Fashion Design, I work as a Fashion consultant within the CMI in Milan, the Italian Fashion Committee (Association of Italian Textile Industries), embarking on a professional path as a Trend Researcher. Within the CMI, I run an Ideas Laboratory space and present biannually, two seasons ahead of the market, fashion concepts for new Women's and Men's collections for the upcoming Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons. At the same time, I work as a Fashion designer consultant for some well-known Made in Italy companies.

For ten years, I have held the role of Fashion Editor-in-Chief within a biweekly print publication dedicated to analyzing trends in fashion, art, and design, with targeted focus on the evolving signals of current consumption. I coordinate the fashion editorial team, establish editorial content, and supervise the graphic department. I organize weekly fashion shoots for Women and Men; I handle scouting for fashion photographers, graphic designers, fashion and industrial designers, and artists. I promote discussion moments through themed round tables, inviting industry representatives.

I actively participate in events, fairs, and industry exhibitions in Milan, Florence, and Paris. Since 2014, I have been a lecturer in Fashion Sociology at a private Italian university. I develop academic programs, content, and lessons that combine sociology and fashion with a critical reflection on cultural consumption and market products. Alongside my teaching activities, I design and coordinate training courses focused on the importance of tailoring in women's collections. The courses are intended for state higher technical institutes with a focus on Fashion Clothing and are part of the educational programs provided by the MIUR. I live and work in Milan.