The Fashion Academy, an online fashion training programme created by fashion journalist Greta Kukštaitė in collaboration with Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), has successfully completed its second cohort. The programme, designed for senior high school students and fashion enthusiasts, provides comprehensive insights into the fashion industry.

A Milestone in Fashion Education

The second season of the Fashion Academy took place from 12 November 2024 to 5 February 2025. The programme concluded with a final gathering at KSU, where participants were awarded their official Fashion Academy certificates. The event marked another step forward in Lithuania’s fashion education landscape, reaffirming KSU’s commitment to industry-driven learning.

The Only University in Lithuania Offering Fashion Industry Degrees

KSU is the only university in Lithuania offering both a Bachelor’s and Master’s programme in the fashion industry. According to Dr. Deimantė Žilinskienė, Head of the School of Business Innovation and Communication at KSU, the Fashion Academy is a valuable opportunity for aspiring fashion professionals. “Fashion Academy allows enthusiasts to expand their knowledge, connect with industry professionals, and explore potential career paths in the fashion world. Many participants use this opportunity to assess whether a career in fashion is right for them.”

Diverse Learning Experience Led by Industry Experts

The Fashion Academy brings together top professionals from various fields of the fashion industry, offering participants exposure to fashion communication, marketing, and management. The second season featured distinguished lecturers, including:

• Tauras Žemaitis – Stylist, Junior Art Director, and Visual Researcher working with Gucci;
• Marija Volkovaitė – Marketing and Brand Manager for the Baltic region at Boozt.com;
• Indrė Narbutaitė – Founder and Designer of the globally recognised streetwear brand Broken Planet;
• Irina Sinė – Stylist and Editor-in-Chief of Elle Lithuania;
• Marija Petraitytė – Fashion Designer and Costume Artist;
• Saidis Orda – Fashion Photographer, Stylist, and Founder of ORDAStudios;
• And many more.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Fashion Professionals

Participants of the Fashion Academy praised the programme for providing valuable insights into the fashion industry’s structure, challenges, and opportunities. Many noted that the experience helped them define their career paths and expand their professional network.

The final meeting at KSU was a special occasion, allowing participants to engage with stylist Jomantė Vaitkutė and Greta Kukštaitė, both KSU alumnae who have successfully built careers in the fashion industry.

Looking Ahead

With an increasing number of fashion enthusiasts joining the programme, KSU aims to continue developing cutting-edge educational opportunities for those interested in the fashion industry. The university hopes that many Fashion Academy participants will return as students in its Fashion Industry programme.