Partnership creates hands-on learning, mentorship and career development opportunities for MDC students, beginning Oct. 13-18, while connecting students to the future of fashion, technology and innovation
MIAMI, Oct. 13, 2026 — Miami Dade College (MDC) and Miami Fashion Week (MIAFW) have announced a strategic partnership naming MDC the exclusive educational partner of Miami Fashion Week. The collaboration will connect students with the fashion industry through internships, mentorship, educational programming and hands-on experiences, with an emphasis on creativity, technology and the rapidly evolving future of fashion. The partnership will launch during Miami Fashion Week 2026, Oct. 13–18, which marks the event’s 10th anniversary. MDC’s Wolfson Campus will serve as Miami Fashion Week headquarters from Oct. 8–19, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the industry through castings, fittings and production activities.
As part of this year’s programming, Miami Fashion Institute (MFI) students will participate in key events, including the Miami Fashion Week Fundraising Gala on Oct. 13 and the Miami Fashion Week Summit on Oct. 14. Hosted by MDC, the summit was launched in 2017 in partnership with the College. Since its inception, it has served as a platform for exploring the intersection of fashion, sustainability, technology and innovation, positioning Miami Fashion Week as a pioneer in bringing emerging technologies and forward-thinking conversations to the fashion industry. This year’s edition will place an even greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging technologies, bringing together fashion industry leaders, innovators and creative professionals to explore the future of fashion.
Building on this commitment to innovation, Miami Fashion Week entered a new era in 2026 with the launch of its inaugural Virtual Fashion Awards (VFA) in May. Further establishing MIAFW’s pioneering role at the intersection of fashion and technology, the groundbreaking initiative introduced AI-powered virtual runway presentations, immersive digital environments and innovative fashion storytelling, blending traditional craftsmanship with emerging technologies. Premiering before a live audience at Queen Miami Beach and streaming globally, the Virtual Fashion Awards expanded the possibilities of traditional runway shows while creating new opportunities for designers to connect with international audiences. The initiative represents a significant step forward in MIAFW’s ongoing mission to bridge fashion, technology and creativity on a global scale.
The Virtual Fashion Awards also featured a special capsule collection by Miami Fashion Institute commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, further highlighting the longstanding connection between MDC and Miami Fashion Week. The initiative reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence and digital innovation in shaping the next generation of fashion professionals.
MFI students will also gain practical experience supporting fashion show production and attending runway presentations. Fashion merchandising students will be invited to the Stitch Lab Pop-Up, where they will engage with designers and explore fashion buying, merchandising and retail practices through a dedicated classroom assignment.
“Miami is a global crossroads of culture, creativity and commerce, and our students belong at the center of it,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “This partnership turns the runway into a classroom, providing invaluable industry exposure and opening doors to meaningful careers in one of our region’s most dynamic creative sectors.”
Beyond the 2026 edition of Miami Fashion Week, the partnership will provide a framework for continued collaboration through internships, mentorship, industry-led educational programming and professional development initiatives. The organizations will also explore opportunities for paid internships, entrepreneurship programs, specialized certificates, continuing education and potential new academic offerings to prepare students for the evolving fashion industry, including the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital technologies and innovation.
“Miami Dade College has long played an important role in nurturing the city’s next generation of creative talent,” said Lourdes Fernández-Velasco, executive managing director of Miami Fashion Week. “From launching our Summit in 2017 to introducing our Virtual Fashion Awards this year, Miami Fashion Week has been a pioneer in bringing technology and innovation to the forefront of the fashion industry. Artificial intelligence is transforming how fashion is created, presented and experienced around the world, and this partnership allows us to connect that evolution directly to education, giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience and prepare for the careers of tomorrow.”
The collaboration reinforces MDC’s commitment to workforce development, innovation and student success while advancing Miami Fashion Week’s mission to position Miami as an international destination for fashion, creativity, technology and emerging talent. A joint coordination council will oversee the partnership’s development, annual programming and student engagement initiatives.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The College’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of numerous national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked No. 4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report.
The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others.
MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader in advancing its diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions across major industries.
MDC’s cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. Since opening in 1960, MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.
About the Miami Fashion Institute
The Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College offers South Florida’s only two-year fashion program at a public institution, awarding associate degrees in fashion design and fashion merchandising. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry, MFI’s curriculum blends creativity, technical training and hands-on experience. Students also have opportunities to continue their education at prestigious four-year institutions worldwide. To learn more, visit www.mdc.edu/fashion.
About Miami Fashion Week®
Miami Fashion Week® (MIAFW) is officially recognized by the CFDA’s Fashion Calendar Important Dates alongside New York, London, Paris and Milan. Rooted in fashion, art, sustainability and innovation, MIAFW bridges continents by spotlighting Latin American designers, international talent and Miami’s creative community. In 2026, MIAFW celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of connecting designers, industry leaders and audiences through fashion in Miami. For more information, visit www.miamifashionweek.com and follow @miamifashionweek on Instagram.
Media Contact
For partnership inquiries:
Laura Neroulias, LORA PR, representing Miami Fashion Week
laura@lorapr.com
Oscar Lopez, chair, Miami Fashion Institute
305-237-7011 | olopez7@mdc.edu