"By bringing our designers to one of the world's fashion capitals and exposing them to mentorship from world-renowned industry leaders, we are also showcasing the Philippines' design excellence and opening opportunities for our talents to connect with international buyers and broaden their market reach," said DTI Secretary Ms. Cristina Roque.
Secretary Roque also highlighted that the initiative is in line with PBBM's directive to showcase Filipino creativity and expand economic opportunities for local brands in the international market.
Each of the chosen designers are already established here in the country and some have already been experience being in the international arena. The program is divided into two phases: the first, which is already underway, involves local creative planning sessions; and the second phase is a four-day intensive mentorship and exhibition in Milan from September 22-25, led by Sara Sozzani Maino, the head of special projects at Vogue Italia and creative director of Fondazione Sozzani.
The twelve 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.
During Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026, the designers will each present a 15-piece collection at Fondazione Sozzani. Three of these garments will be made with Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT), which are developed from indigenous fibers such as abaca, banana, pineapple and bamboo with the help of Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). The exhibition will also feature works from Filipino visual artists.
"Those four days will be intense," said Maino, during a video interview. "The mentors' guidance will be based on what we know about the designers' profiles and what we believe they need."
"This initiative is more than just an exhibition. It's a strategic platform designed to help Filipino fashion designers and brands build relationships with international buyers and global industry gatekeepers," said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. She also highlighted the strategic nature of the initiative.
The designers' collection from the Fashion Philippines Milan 2025 will be exhibited at the Manila FAME 2025 this coming October 16-18, at the World Trade Center Manila.
More photos here: Fashion Philippines Milan 2025
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