By Dara Clariza Evangelista
This September, Milan will welcome a wave of Filipino creativity as 12 designers make their debut at the prestigious Fondazione Sozzani. From September 23 to 25, 2025, during Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026, their curated collections will take center stage in one of the world’s most celebrated fashion capitals.
The presentation marks the culmination of the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025, a collaboration between CITEM, DOST-PTRI, the Philippine Fashion Coalition, and LIT Fashion Consultancy.
Designed to place Filipino fashion in the global spotlight, the program combines world-class mentorship with an exclusive opportunity to present in a venue that has hosted exhibitions by icons like Yayoi Kusama, Maison Martin Margiela, and Annie Leibovitz.
The 12 participating designers are Adam Pereyra, Joseph Bagasao, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Tessa Nepomuceno, Carl Jan Cruz, Ched Dalogaog, Steffi Cua, Jerome Lorico, Renz Reyes, Gabby Garcia, Thian Rodriguez, and Vania Romoff.
In Manila, the journey began with intensive mentoring from industry leaders. Tetta Ortiz-Matera guided collection curation and exhibition readiness, Ryuji Shiomitsu refined conceptual storytelling, and Pam Quiñones and Trickie Lopa offered insight into balancing cultural roots with global appeal.
Carmina Sanchez-Jacob provided strategies on market positioning and commercial viability, while Rhea Matute emphasized sustainability alongside creativity. Esme Palaganas advised on IPO registration and brand development, Paolo Reyes strengthened digital presence, and DOST-PTRI’s Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. shared expertise in textile innovation and technology integration.
Once in Milan, the designers will work with an international panel led by Sara Sozzani-Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani and Milan Fashion Week International New Talent and Brand Ambassador. Joining her are Riccardo Grassi, Niccolo Pasqualetti, Riccardo Terzo, Silvia Bertocchi, Ryle Tuvierra, Giulia Demitri, and Helena Boissonnas, who will provide portfolio reviews, collection previews, and one-on-one consultations.
As DTI Secretary Cris Roque, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo, PFC Chairperson Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, and Tetta Ortiz-Matera note, the initiative is more than a showcase, it’s a strategic platform for building relationships with global buyers, connecting with industry gatekeepers, and placing Philippine innovation and heritage firmly on the international stage.
With Milan as their runway, these 12 designers are set to make a lasting mark in fashion history.
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