iACADEMY

For many aspiring designers, the path to fashion can feel daunting, but for Vic Fajatin, iACADEMY became the launchpad that transformed raw curiosity into creative confidence. Today, as the designer behind iACADEMY’s prestigious Management Committee academic regalia, Vic trusts the institution to have shaped not only his technical mastery but also the resilience and artistry needed to thrive in the industry.

“iACADEMY’s creative environment gave me the foundation to be bold in my ideas, but it’s the continuous support of its community after graduation that I’m most grateful for,” Vic recalls. “From professors who still guide me to peers who champion my work, that sense of belonging and encouragement has been invaluable. It’s because of that unwavering support that opportunities like this collaboration became possible.”

One defining experience came during his thesis project, where students were encouraged to explore themes that expressed their individuality. For Vic, it became an exploration of self-image, a creative turning point that would later define his signature style. That freedom, paired with rigorous mentorship from professors like Ms. Loida Hunter, instilled both discipline and creative daring.

“The school’s openness to new ideas and its welcoming environment allowed me to freely explore and experiment, which greatly strengthened my ability to develop creative concepts” shared by Vic Fajatin.

That confidence proved essential when designing the Management Committee’s academic regalia. With the task of blending tradition and innovation, Vic drew upon iACADEMY’s hands-on, industry-aligned approach and learned to translate a client’s vision into garments that were not only functional but also meaningful. “It was about merging heritage with creative innovation while delivering a professional, high-quality outcome,” he explains.

But the journey was not without challenges. Delays due to heavy rains once stalled the work on his sewers for a week, forcing a quick redesign of the production schedule. Rather than a setback, Vic treated it as a lesson in adaptability. “iACADEMY encouraged me to merge tradition and modernity by pushing me to understand the cultural and historical roots of design while exploring innovative techniques and materials.”

For Vic, the iACADEMY experience was more than technical training. It was a community of openness, creativity, and lifelong learning. Winning the Best Thesis Award reaffirmed his passion, but leaving behind a permanent mark in iACADEMY’s history through the regalia design feels even more meaningful.

“The most valuable lesson I learned during my Fashion and Design program was the balance between creativity and discipline.” Vic reflects. “I discovered that strong ideas only come to life through patience and consistency. That lesson continues to guide me today in every project I take on.”

Learn more about iACADEMY here: www.iacademy.edu.ph