In collaboration with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), the program aims to position the Philippines as a hub for sustainable design and innovation, culminating in a high-profile exhibition during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026.
The selected designers are Adam Pereyra, Joseph Agustin Bagasao III, Theresa Nepomuceno, Carl Jan Cruz, Christian Edward Dalogaog, Steffi Cua, Jerome Lorico, Renz Reyes, Joaquin Gabriel Almazan, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Vania Romoff, and Thian Rodriguez.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to highlight Filipino creativity while opening new economic opportunities for local brands in competitive global markets.
“By bringing our designers to one of the world’s fashion capitals and exposing them to mentorship from world-renowned industry leaders, we are showcasing the Philippines’ design excellence and opening opportunities for our talents to connect with international buyers,” Roque said.
The program is divided into two phases: ongoing local creative planning sessions and a four-day intensive mentorship and exhibition in Milan from Sept. 22 to 25, 2025. The Milan sessions will be led by Sara Sozzani Maino, head of special projects at Vogue Italia and creative director of Fondazione Sozzani.
“Those four days will be intense. The mentors’ guidance will be based on what we know about the designers’ profiles and what we believe they need,” Maino said in a video message.
During Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, the designers will present 15-piece collections at Fondazione Sozzani, with three garments made from Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT) — fabrics developed from abaca, banana, pineapple, and bamboo fibers by the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). The showcase will also feature works from Filipino visual artists.
CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo described the project as “a strategic platform designed to help Filipino fashion designers and brands build relationships with international buyers and global industry gatekeepers.”
The collections will also be featured locally at Manila FAME 2025, the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle products, from Oct. 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
