Interview Gloria Bellardi currently serves as Course Leader for the third-year Bachelor’s program in Fashion Design at Marangoni Milan. Credits: Gloria Bellardi Buenos Aires – As fashion students approach graduation, one question becomes central: how to translate years of creative work into a portfolio that opens doors. In today’s fast-evolving industry, where creativity alone is no longer sufficient, the portfolio has become more than a showcase—it is a strategic tool. It communicates not only what a candidate can do, but how they think, adapt, and position themselves within a changing market. For Istituto Marangoni course leader Gloria Bellardi, who has reviewed portfolios across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the gap between education and industry is where many young talents struggle most. “There is this gap in between the moment when the student is approaching the market… where they need support to create their DNA, their aesthetic and to communicate it in the right way”, she explained during an interview with FashionUnited. From fashion school to industry: What brands look for in portfolios today Since 2017, Gloria Bellardi has been a lecturer at Istituto Marangoni in Milan and Florence Credits: Gloria Bellardi IN SHORT As the fashion industry evolves, portfolios are no longer just a showcase of creativity; they are strategic tools. For Gloria Bellardi, Course Leader at Istituto Marangoni Milan, the candidates who stand out today are those who combine clear storytelling, digital fluency, and a strong personal identity with a clear understanding of the market they want to…