The FDT GRAD SHOW 2024 is a collection of capstone projects of the visionary minds of select iACADEMY Fashion Design and Technology class of 2024 showcased through a fashion show produced by R PR and Prod held last June 30 at Green Sun Hotel. With its key message “unraveling narratives through every stitch,” the runway transformed into a living design journal that captured the designer’s diverse collection themes. It invited people to a specific place in which the perspective of each designer on different themes and experiences is intertwined in a harmonious blend of stories showcased through the artistry of fashion.
About iACADEMY x STYLE CONQUEST
STYLE CONQUEST is a groundbreaking fashion runway show that celebrates the visionaries of tomorrow by showcasing innovative collections of emerging designers from diverse backgrounds. In a fashion scene often dominated by established names, STYLE CONQUEST is breaking the mold to create a platform for new and independent designers to share their unique creations.
This year, under the theme of “weaving stories through fashion,” the creations of the iACADEMY’s 6 Fashion Design and Technology graduating students transformed the runway into a vibrant tapestry of creativity, where each piece told a unique story.
Featured Designers & Collections
Jannah Collado – “ASTOR”
Jang’s “ASTOR” is a Grunge Punk Collection inspired by an extreme fear of thunderstorms and lightning, known as Astraphobia. This collection visualizes adverse experiences, such as panic attacks, of an adult with Astraphobia by incorporating sewing techniques like quilting, bubble silhouette, pleats, and asymmetrical patterns.
Megan Davies – “THE INNER CHILD”
Megan’s “THE INNER CHILD” is a collection of designs that depict the wounds and trauma of childhood. Derived from the designer’s childish drawings, this collection employs the themes of disturbance and comfort in the design process of each garment to reflect the mess of tackling childhood trauma while reminiscing on nostalgia.
Ellyn Denubo – “PERYA-SERYE”
Ellyn’s “PERYA-SERYE” is a collection that exudes the lively and playful vibes of a perya. Drawing inspiration from the lively atmosphere, vibrant colors, and whimsical elements of the perya, each piece embodies the joyous spirit of the fair. The collection combines nostalgia with modern style for a unique and captivating fashion experience.
Abby Fernandez – “Mabi’s Arcade”
Mabi’s “Mabi’s Arcade” is a Filipino-Japanese Women’s Streetwear collection that embraces the dynamic atmosphere of Japanese arcades, encapsulating their vibrant lights and lively settings. The collection showcases bold, vivid colors reminiscent of arcade screens through original textile prints inspired by the chaotic shapes within these spaces. This collection embodies an upbeat, colorful vibe that echoes the brand’s unique identity within the dynamic realms of fashion and gaming culture.
Elene Mariano – “Blissful Awakening”
Elena’s “Blissful Awakening” is a collection of designs that center on dreamy, ecstasy-filled feelings from self-pleasure, as well as narrating the designer’s personal experience. The collection primarily celebrates female sexual expression with the use of sultry styles and yonic imagery.
Joanna Santos – “ADORACION”
Joanna’s “ADORACION” is an avant-garde fashion collection inspired by her personal journey of grieving for her Lola. It vividly captures the emotional stages of grief: Shock and Denial, Pain and Guilt, Anger, Depression, and Acceptance. Beyond Aesthetics, it explores the concept of “grief work” as an integral part of the designer’s creative process, demonstrating how the collection becomes a powerful medium for expressing the intricate complexities of emotions associated with loss.
About iACADEMY’s Fashion Design and Technology (FDT) Program of the School of Design and the Arts (SODA)
As fashion continues to evolve, iACADEMY is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of game-changers in the industry. The updated Fashion Design and Technology (FDT) program exposes and immerses aspiring fashion professionals in the traditional, technological, and sustainable methods of designing, communicating, and conducting fashion business. Through its unique programs such as the School of Design and Arts Co-Teach, students not only learn from guest experts but slowly connect and build their network in the fashion industry.
iACADEMY continues to innovate and personalize fashion education by intentionally aligning student interests to lessons practiced in the fashion workplace to create “Fashion for Good.” iACADEMY is the only Philippine partner of CLO, one of the leading providers of 3D fashion design software, which allows aspiring designers to create and alter true-to-life 3D garments before they go into production. iACADEMY’s FDT program continues to pave the way in preparing fashion graduates who are ready to transform the way we design, produce, use, and reuse fashion products.
Throughout the years since its introduction in 2011, the FDT program has produced graduates who have become fashion designers who started their brands and businesses and managers and designers in Philippine and international retail stores and manufacturing. Its alumni, Eugene Malabad and Ish Barrozo have been recognized by Preview and MEGA as young designers to watch out for. And with the mentoring and authentic encouragement provided by its roster of award-winning design teachers, FDT students and alumni continue to make waves in the fashion scene, most recently, with Vic Fajatin, becoming one of the top 6 finalists at the MEGA Young Designers Competition and Joanna Santos who is one of the featured young designers in Rampa Manila 2. Find out more about iAcademy (link: https://iacademy.edu.ph/) and its Fashion Design and Technology program ( https://iacademy.edu.ph/fashion_design_and_technology).
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