After graduating from Vilnius Jonas Basanavičius Gymnasium, Eglė is now in her third year studying Fashion Industry in the bachelor’s programme at Kazimieras Simonavicius University (KSU). Her passion for art and creativity became apparent during school, which is why she also attended art school.

Fashion and art – connected

“Fashion and art are closely connected – both express creativity and emotions. Fashion can be seen as a visual art that allows people to communicate their identity. Creating fashion requires artistic thinking, a sense of aesthetics, and the ability to understand how different elements can complement one another,” says Eglė.

For Eglė, fashion is not just about choosing clothes or accessories but also a form of self-expression. She observes that emotional states often influence clothing choices. “Fashion allows me to experiment with styles, colours, and shapes. In doing so, I express my personality and mood,” she adds.

Studies and practice

Eglė studies fashion from the perspectives of communication, marketing, and business management, but she is currently more interested in the practical side of fashion. Her passions include sewing, construction, and sketching. “I am especially fascinated by the details of product creation. To design harmonious clothing details, a great deal of knowledge and practice is needed,” she notes.

Eglė is actively learning the basics of sewing at a vocational school, intending to use this knowledge to create her collections. She is pleased that KSU provides opportunities to engage in additional activities needed to realise her dreams.

Choosing her studies

Asked why she chose Fashion Industry studies, Eglė recalls knowing since school that she wanted to study a discipline related to the arts. When she discovered the programme offered at KSU, she immediately felt it was the right fit. “At that moment, I thought: ‘Oh, this is really my thing!’” she remembers.

She describes the study programme as interesting and multifaceted. She was impressed not only by the lectures and activities but also by the competent lecturers.

Challenges and goals in fashion

Eglė highlights sustainability as a pressing issue in the fashion industry, which is further aggravated by fast fashion. “My goal in the future is to encourage consumers to choose high-quality, eco-friendly products, even if they cost a little more,” she says.

During her studies, Eglė has encountered many opportunities, including the “Erasmus” exchange programme, which allowed her to study in Spain for six months. The university also regularly hosts guest speakers from various fields who share their experiences. “Opportunities are available to everyone equally; you just need to know how to take advantage of them,” she emphasises.

Future

When asked where she sees herself in 10 years, Eglė says she aims to earn a master’s degree. She dreams of creating a collection highlighting women’s inner beauty. “Since I adore pink and everything girly, the collection will be pink. It will feature dresses made of voluminous materials, suits, and similar creations designed for the grand stage,” she shares. However, Eglė stresses that this is still just a dream, but having dreams is very important.

To future students, she advises not to fear pursuing their goals. “If you have a goal, you will definitely achieve it,” she says, offering encouragement. According to her, a unique perspective and creativity are key to finding one’s place in the fashion world.

A Visionary in Fashion and Lifestyle Culture
Prof. Dr Eugenijus Skerstonas, an expert in lifestyle culture and a prominent academic, has dedicated over a decade to shaping the future of fashion professionals at Kazimieras Simonavicius University (KSU). His insights and passion have not only influenced students but also elevated the discussion about fashion in Lithuania.

Fashion is a phenomenon that evokes wonder and admiration, says Prof. Skerstonas, reflecting his deep appreciation for the transformative power of fashion. As the author of ten books on lifestyle culture and a public intellectual, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Encouraging an Appreciation for Appearance
The professor advocates for a nuanced understanding of fashion’s role in society, countering the perception of it as superficial. “Our behaviour and appearance are important. If we wish to present ourselves as true Europeans, we must encode this aspiration in our attire,” he explains. He believes appearance reflects a nation’s identity and economic standing, asserting, “The better we look, the better we live.”

While he observes significant improvements in how Lithuanians dress, Prof. Skerstonas encourages further efforts. He also applauds young people for seeking individual styles: “Today’s youth do not blindly follow fashion trends. They create their own unique styles by incorporating elements from the past, such as Art Deco.”

A Unique Programme at KSU
The Fashion Industry programme at KSU stands out for its innovative and holistic approach, covering rarely taught subjects such as fashion psychology, appearance culture, and costume history. “Our thematic coverage is extensive. At KSU, we address topics that are not discussed in other universities’ programmes,” says Prof. Skerstonas.

He is particularly proud that the programme was accredited for seven years in 2024, calling it “a significant recognition of our maturity and competitiveness in the European higher education context.” Students who have experienced fashion education abroad have often noted that KSU’s programme is “more engaging and comprehensive.”

Preparing Specialists for a Dynamic Industry
The programme focuses on communication, business, and marketing aspects of fashion, preparing students for diverse roles in advertising, personal styling consultancy, and management. Prof. Skerstonas emphasises the industry’s growing demand for specialists who can analyse consumer behaviour, understand fashion trends, and apply fashion psychology.

“We talk extensively about consumer behaviour research and fashion psychology, preparing specialists who are already in demand. These professionals are crucial for working with renowned global brands in Lithuania,” he explains.

He also sees potential for collaboration with major retail chains, which, in his opinion, should play a more active role in shaping the industry. “It’s hard to understand why major shopping centres are not active social partners. They could contribute to shaping the profiles of specialists and provide employment opportunities“.

Facing Global Challenges in Fashion
As the fashion industry faces issues such as sustainability, overproduction, and climate change, Prof. Skerstonas underscores the role of universities in preparing specialists who can adapt to these challenges. “Universities must collaborate closely with strong commercial sectors to ensure graduates are equipped to meet the demands of the evolving job market,” he says.

Discover more about the innovative Fashion Industry programme at KSU and explore how it prepares students for career opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic industries by visiting KSU’s Fashion Industry programme.

The world of fashion is ever-evolving, presenting limitless opportunities for those passionate about its dynamic landscape. Greta Kukštaitė, a renowned fashion journalist and co-founder of the “Fashion Academy,” exemplifies the boundless potential within the industry. Her story, from childhood dreams to professional achievements, is a testament to the power of dedication and creativity.

A Childhood Dream Turned Reality

Greta’s fascination with fashion began at a young age. “I started ‘publishing’ fashion magazines when I was very young,” she reminisces. From drawing covers to crafting articles and imaginary celebrity interviews, Greta’s early experiences laid the foundation for her future career. Today, she is a celebrated writer for Elle magazine, covering a myriad of fashion topics.

The Academic Journey

After finishing school, Greta pursued her passion at Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), the only institution in Lithuania offering a Fashion Industry study program. “Deciding what to study was easy – I knew I wanted to work in fashion,” Greta recalls. The university provided her with invaluable knowledge and inspiration from esteemed professors like fashion guru Prof. Eugenijus Skerstonas. Contrary to common misconceptions, KSU’s program focuses on fashion business, communication, and management, rather than just pattern-making and sewing. “The fashion industry is vast, with countless areas for self-realization and a need for a wide range of competencies,” Greta explains.

The Birth of Fashion Academy

During her time at KSU, Greta conceived the idea of creating a fashion academy for enthusiasts. This dream materialized in early March when she, in collaboration with KSU, founded the “Fashion Academy.” The academy offers an 8-week program for high school students, university students, and fashion enthusiasts, aiming to broaden horizons and help participants explore their future dreams. “It’s important to start realizing oneself as early as possible,” Greta emphasizes, encouraging continuous learning and the pursuit of new opportunities.

A Unique Educational Experience

The “Fashion Academy” stands out as the first of its kind in Lithuania. Participants have the opportunity to engage with prominent experts in various fashion fields, including design, styling, communication, technology, and haute couture. They also gain insights into finding their niche within the fashion world. Greta attributes the academy’s success to the professionalism of its lecturers, who bring diverse experiences from both local and international fashion scenes.

Positive Feedback and Future Ambitions

The initial feedback from academy participants has been overwhelmingly positive. “Participants have mentioned gaining courage, self-confidence, and a better understanding of career opportunities in fashion,” Greta shares. KSU’s rector, Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, expresses pride in the successful careers of the university’s fashion industry graduates. She highlights the university’s ambition to expand its fashion studies at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels, responding to industry trends and the growing demand for skilled professionals.

“We plan to continue educating experts capable of navigating the multifaceted fashion industry, adapting to technological changes, and promoting ethical and sustainable fashion practices,” says the rector. “Greta is a shining example of our ambitious and active graduates, and projects like ‘Fashion Academy’ demonstrate the valuable partnership between alumni and the university.”