Ellen von Unwerth Ignites Miami Art Week 2025 with a Visionary Dialogue at Istituto Marangoni Miami

Ellen von Unwerth appearance at Istituto Marangoni Miami during Miami Art Week 2025 became one of the most compelling cultural moments of the season, bringing a rare depth of creativity, dialogue, and mentorship to the city’s vibrant artistic landscape.

The event unfolded as part of IMM’s ongoing “In Conversation With” series, where von Unwerth—celebrated globally for her provocative, joyful, and empowering imagery—joined IMM Executive Vice President Eva Hughes for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion. What emerged was a powerful exploration of artistry, identity, authenticity, and the evolving demands of the creative world, offering students and community members direct access to one of fashion’s most influential visual architects.

Throughout the conversation, von Unwerth spoke with candor about her journey from modeling to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers in the world, known for campaigns that have defined eras for brands such as Guess, Chanel, Dior, Diesel, Mercedes-Benz, L’Oréal, Miu Miu, and many more. Her signature style—bold, sensual, humorous, and fiercely feminine—has not only shaped the fashion industry but continues to influence new generations of artists who look to her for inspiration in developing their own visual language.

She emphasized the importance of authenticity and kindness, highlighting how creative success relies not only on artistic vision but also on the relationships and values that sustain an artist throughout their career. At a time when technology and digital culture reshape the creative landscape daily, von Unwerth urged students to stay rooted in genuine storytelling and emotional connection.

One of the most exciting revelations of the evening was von Unwerth’s new collaboration with the fashion brand Faith Connexion, announced alongside CEO Maria Buccellati. The partnership centers on a collection of beautifully designed cotton undergarments and sleepwear—an area von Unwerth described as desperately lacking in the market.

The collaboration reflects her instinctive feel for intimacy, comfort, and personal expression, themes that have long shaped her photographic work and continue to inspire her creative ventures. The announcement added a dynamic, forward-looking dimension to the event, blending fashion, storytelling, and innovation in a way that resonated deeply with the audience.

Following the conversation, Istituto Marangoni Miami honored von Unwerth with an Honorary Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Styling: Creative Direction and Image Narrative. The recognition celebrated her extraordinary impact on fashion imagery, her visionary approach to creative direction, and her long-standing commitment to redefining how women are portrayed in media.

IMM CEO and Founder Hakan Baykam expressed the institution’s pride in welcoming her into the IMM community, noting that her energy, honesty, and dedication to pushing boundaries align perfectly with the school’s mission to prepare students for the future of creative industries.

Von Unwerth continued her engagement with IMM students by conducting personalized portfolio reviews for selected Fashion Styling majors. Her critiques were precise and insightful, offering practical guidance and encouragement as students refined their creative voices. For many participants, the opportunity to receive one-on-one feedback from an internationally acclaimed photographer represented an unforgettable milestone in their developing careers.

She concluded her visit by issuing a creative challenge: a competition inviting students to reinterpret one of her iconic images. Von Unwerth will personally judge the submissions and select a winner, giving students a platform to test their skills, push artistic boundaries, and engage directly with the legacy of a modern icon.

The event also spotlighted Istituto Marangoni Miami’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and industry relevance. As a leading fashion and design institution offering undergraduate, graduate, pre-college, and vocational programs, IMM blends foundational knowledge with cutting-edge digital practices and real-world professional exposure. Students benefit from mentorship from established experts, immersive hands-on learning, and access to Miami’s thriving creative community—elements that position them to become the next generation of global tastemakers and creative entrepreneurs.

Ellen von Unwerth’s influence extends far beyond photography, encompassing short films, commercials, music videos, international exhibitions, and a rich catalog of books including Snaps, Wicked, Couples, Fräulein, Heimat, and more. Her accolades—ranging from the Lucie Award for Career Achievement in Fashion Photography to honors from the Royal Photographic Society—reflect a lifetime of work that continues to shape contemporary culture.

Her presence at IMM served both as inspiration and affirmation: a reminder that bold creativity, fearless experimentation, and unwavering authenticity remain the cornerstones of lasting artistic impact.