Filipino Designers Present First Solo Exhibit with FASHIONPhilippines Milan

Coinciding with Milan Fashion Week, 11 Filipino designers got to present their collections at Fondazione Sozzani as the culminating event for FASHIONPhilippines. This is the first-ever solo exhibition of the Philippines in the fashion capital. The three-day exhibit opened last September 23 and highlighted Filipino artistry and ingenuity thru contemporary cuts and silhouettes that flaunt weaves, patterns and materials that tell the story of South Asian heritage.

The Filipino designers at FASHIONPhilippines Milan include: 

Adam Pereyra who presented jewelry pieces made of sterling silver and yellow gold, with motifs inspired by nature and traditional Fillipino culture.
Joseph Bagasao for Bagasao created workwear separates.
Theresa Nepomuceno for Calli presented geometric and sculptural bags made of wood.
Jo Ann Bitagcol for Bitagcol reimained Filipiniana classiscs in natural fabrics.
Carl Jan Cruz presented colorways and details that elevates wardrobe staples.
Christian Edward Dalogaog for Ched Studio used delicate embroidery and beadworks on natural fabrics.
Steffi Cua for Idyllic Summers presented womenswear in linen, silk and pineapple fabrics.
Jerome Lorico for Lorico made expertly draped mix-and-match separates.
Renz Reyes presented a fresh take on formal wear with denim fabric.
Gabby Garcia for Tagpi presented menswear and womenswear with beadings, cutouts in stylish patterns.
Vania Romoff presented feminine designs that features volume play and clever dressmaking techniques.

Each designer presented a 15-piece collection, they also introduced three new garments created using Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT). These fabrics were made from sustainably sourced abaca, banana, pineapple and bamboo fibers, developed under the expertise of the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).

Milan fashion industry personalities attended the exhibit, such as Carlo Capasa, the President of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italian and organizer of Milan Fashion week, and Carla Biffi, owner of Biffi Boutiques. Also present were 10 Corso Como founder Carla Sozzani, Fondazione Sozzani Creative Director and FASHIONPhilippines Milan mentor Sara Sozzani, and Riccardo Grassi, owner of RG Showroom and also another FASHIONPhilippines Milan mentor.

FASHIONPhilippines Milan is a mentorship program that focuses on fresh Filipino talents in the global scene. It provides firsthand learning opportunities under some of the most respected names in the Italian fashion industry. Spearheaded by the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Center of International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and organized in collaboration with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), LIT Consultancy, Fondazione Sozzani and DOST-PTRI.

The 11 Filipino designers spent months refining their creative visions under the mentorship of fashion and design experts from Manila. They arrived in Milan last September 22 and had one-on-one sessions with some of Italy's most respected fashion authorities and learned about navigating the global fashion scene. 

Headed by Maino, each of the Milan cohort of mentors shared their expertise in specific areas of the fashion design industry.

Image Marketing by Sara Maino
Merchandising by Riccardo Grassi
Fashion Collection by stylist, fashion editor and Conde Nast consultant Riccardo Terzo
How to Build Your Brand by fashion designer Niccolo Pasqualetti
Audience Engagement by Silvia Bertocchi, Fonzione Sozzani's Head of Cultural Programs
Building Visibility & Voice in the Global Fashion Landscape by Ryle Tuvierra, fashion & digital creator
Strategy for Global Retail by Le Bon Marche-Paris curator Helena Boissonnas
Building a Strong Collection: the Power of Merchandising and Pricing from the POV of a Multi-brand Store buyer by fashion buyer Guilia Demitri

The designers were all grateful for the opportunity to sit down with these experts and get insightful and specific advice on their respective brands. 

"This entire experience opened my awareness to the global aspect of fashion," said Bitagcol. 

For Lorico, "Riccardo Terzo helped me identify the weak points in my lookbook's images and gave pointers for improvement while Silvia Bertucci taught me how to be mindful of the conversations carried on by my designs by identifying their sensitive aspects." 

Romoff added that "They are very valuable for designers who are trying to get into the international market."

This coming October 16-18, FASHIONPhilippines Milan designers will showcase some of their works at the Manila FAME 2025 in World Trade Center Manila. Their exhibition aims to further promote their brands in the global market.