Two bright students from Istituto Marangoni Miami have recently concluded an intensive two-week internship program at the Brazilian headquarters of luxury shoe brand, Alexandre Birman. This uniquely immersive opportunity allowed Bettina Mattia and Ryan Anthony Hamilton to delve deeply into the operations and craftsmanship of a brand led by one of the industry’s most influential figures. The internship marked the first-time students, or any non-craftsman, were permitted to create shoes in the factory.
As the creative visionary behind his namesake label, Alexandre Birman has been instrumental in creating iconic footwear that blends modern sophistication with traditional Brazilian craftsmanship. Under Birman’s direction, the brand has made a global impact, which the students got to experience first-hand.
Talent ready to step into the fashion industry
Expressing his enthusiasm for the interns’ performance, Alexandre Birman said, “I am truly honored to have hosted Bettina and Ryan at our Brazilian headquarters. Their creativity, dedication, and innovation echo the very values we uphold at our brand. The marketing strategies they presented for the Clarita were both thoughtful and innovative, and it excites me to see such talent ready to step into the fashion industry.”
The students’ journey began at the Birman factory, where they both had the chance to create their version of the brand’s best-selling Clarita shoe. Following this, the second week was spent at the main offices in Sao Paulo, where they were exposed to the inner workings of a globally successful luxury fashion business.
Istituto Marangoni: Passion, creativity, and more
Hakan Baykam, President of Istituto Marangoni Miami, proudly stated, “Witnessing our students immerse themselves in the realm of a world-class luxury footwear brand like Alexandre Birman, and emerge with invaluable insights, is truly inspiring. This unique opportunity has allowed Bettina and Ryan to embody the very spirit of Istituto Marangoni – passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our mission is to prepare the fashion industry’s future leaders, and this transformative experience has proven to be a significant step in that direction.”
Commenting on her experience, Bettina Mattia said, “This was a tremendous privilege. Working alongside Alexandre Birman and his team gave me the chance to understand the extraordinary passion, commitment, and innovation that fuels this industry-leading brand. It’s been transformative.”
Ryan Anthony Hamilton added, “This wasn’t just an internship – it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a fashion icon like Alexandre Birman. The experience has dramatically reshaped my view of the fashion industry.”
Newly gained industry knowledge
Their internship concluded with each student presenting an innovative marketing plan for the 15th anniversary of the Clarita’s production, showcasing their newly gained industry knowledge, creative thinking, and business acumen.
Amy Berkowitz, the professor at Istituto Marangoni Miami, who supervised the internship, remarked, “Both Bettina and Ryan have exemplified the kind of commitment and resourcefulness we hope to instill in all our students. The willingness of Alexandre Birman to mentor and foster these upcoming talents reaffirms the strength of our institutional partnership.”
This successful collaboration underscores the enduring partnership between Istituto Marangoni Miami and Alexandre Birman, demonstrating the unique opportunities available to aspiring talents dedicated to shaping their craft in the global fashion industry.
More information about this brand, please visit: Istitutomarangoni.com
