Filipino talent is officially going global in the most epic way possible. Twelve of our very own designers are set to make a huge splash at the prestigious Fondazione Sozzani in Milan this September, right smack in the middle of Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026! This is a major win for Philippine fashion, and we’re beyond hyped to see our creativity on one of the world’s biggest stages.
This historical moment is the culmination of the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025, an incredible initiative by CITEM, DOST-PTRI, the Philippine Fashion Coalition, and LIT Fashion Consultancy. It’s more than just a show; it’s a statement that Filipino design is here to take over.
Meet the 12 Designers Making History
From Manila to Milan, these are the visionary designers bringing their A-game:
- Adam Pereyra
- Joseph Bagasao
- Jo Ann Bitagcol Tessa Nepomuceno
- Carl Jan Cruz
- Ched Dalogaog
- Steffi Cua
- Jerome Lorico
- Renz Reyes
- Gabby Garcia
- Thian Rodriguez
- Vania Romoff
Each designer will showcase a 15-piece collection, with three garments incorporating Filipino Innovation Textiles made from local fibers like abaca, pineapple, and banana. Talk about a major flex of our heritage and innovation!
The Mentorship: Building a Global Brand
This program is doing more than just giving designers a ticket to Milan. It’s a masterclass in building a world-class brand, right here at home. These designers are getting invaluable guidance from a powerhouse lineup of local mentors like Tetta Ortiz-Matera and Ryuji Shiomitsu, who are prepping them for the international spotlight.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. In Milan, they’ll work with a distinguished international panel. It’s led by Sara Sozzani-Maino, the Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani. This is a rare chance to get real-world insights from the industry’s top gatekeepers. It will ensure their work is not only creative but also commercially viable.
As designer Renz Reyes shared, the program has been a huge eye-opener on the collaborative nature of fashion. And for Thian Rodriguez, it’s a chance to tell our cultural story through design, proving that our heritage is our biggest strength.
This is a strategic move to help Filipino designers build relationships with international buyers and shine on the global stage. As DTI Secretary Cris Roque put it, this initiative is “broadening economic opportunities for our designers and local brands in the highly competitive international market.”
You can catch a glimpse of these collections before they hit Milan. The designers will present their works at Manila FAME, from October 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center. This is a moment of pride for us all. It’s a sign that Filipino creativity is ready for its main character moment.
