By Marane A. Plaza
After a long wait, the Philippines finally mounted its first solo fashion exhibit with Milan Fashion Week at the revered cultural center Fondazione Sozzani last September 23 to 25 — one that was a culminating event for FASHIONPhilippines Milan, the country’s global mentorship and exhibit program for creators. Eleven Filipino fashion designers were able to showcase their masterpieces, introducing the country’s crème de la crème when it comes to fashion heritage and ingenuity to the European market.
The designers’ participation in FASHIONPhilippines Milan started several months ago, as they refined their creative visions for their respective collections under the mentorship of design experts from Manila. Then, upon arriving in Milan last September 22, they had one-on-one sessions with some of Italy’s most respected fashion authorities to learn more about navigating the global fashion scene.
A program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), FASHIONPhilippines Milan has been designed to showcase the global potential of Filipino fashion designers, and to eventually give them opportunities in Europe. The effort has been in collaboration with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), LIT Consultancy, Fondazione Sozzani, and DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).
Adam Pereyra, Joseph Bagasao for Bagasáo, Theresa Nepomuceno for Calli, and Jo Ann Bitagcol for Bitagcol were some of the participants. Carl Jan Cruz, Christian Edward Dalogaog for Ched Studio, Steffi Cua for Idyllic Summers, Jerome Lorico for Lorico, and Renz Reyes were also part of the program, along with Gabby Garcia for Tagpi, and Vania Romoff.
Each designer presented a 15-piece collection, and also each introduced three new garments created using Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT). These fabrics were produced from sustainably sourced abaca,, pineapple, bamboo fibers, and banana, developed under the expertise of the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).
The first-ever solo fashion exhibition of the Philippines, in time for Milan Fashion Week, was presented last September 23-25 at Fondazione Sozzani. The pieces’ contemporary cuts and silhouettes flaunted weaves, patterns, and materials that told the story of the Southeast Asian country’s heritage. Fondazione Sozzani was founded by Carla Sozzani, a respected former magazine editor and gallerist, and sister of former editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani.
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 Maino, and Riccardo Grassi, owner of RG showroom and also another FASHIONPhilippines Milan mentor.
Adam Pereyra presented jewelry pieces made of sterling silver and yellow gold and featuring motifs inspired by nature and traditional Filipino culture; while Joseph Bagasao for Bagasáo created workwear separates for the program.
Theresa Nepomuceno for Calli showcased geometric and sculptural bags made of wood; while Jo Ann Bitagcol for Bitagcol reimagined Filipiñana classics in natural fabrics. Carl Jan Cruz showcased colorways and details in elevated wardrobe staples.
Christian Edward Dalogaog for Ched Studio used delicate embroidery and beading on natural fabrics. Steffi Cua for Idyllic Summers presented womenswear items in linen, silk, and pineapple fabric; while Jerome Lorico for Lorico made expertly draped mix-and-match separates.
Renz Reyes unveiled mostly denim collection presented a fresh take on formal wear; and Gabby Garcia for Tagpi used beading, cutouts, and patterns on menswear and womenswear pieces. Meanwhile, Vania Romoff created feminine designs feature volume play and clever dressmaking techniques.
Fondazione Sozzani hosted the FASHIONPhilippines Milan exhibit from Sept. 23 – 25, which featured collections from 11 Filipino designers. In attendance are key figures and supporters from the organizers: (Left to right) CITEM Division Chief Anna Alzona, 10 Corso Como Founder Carla Sozzani, Fondazione Sozzani’s Sara Sozzani Maino, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo, President of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Carlo Capasa, Lit Fashion Consultancy’s Tetta Ortiz, and Philippine Fashion Coalition’s Carissa Cruz-Evangelista and Jackie Aquino.
Headed by Maino, each of the Milan cohort of mentors shared with the designers their expertise in specific areas of the fashion design industry, such as Image Marketing by Sara Maino, Merchandising by Riccardo Grassi, as well as the Fashion Collection talk by stylist, fashion editor and Condé Nast consultant Riccardo Terzo.
Designers learned about “How to Build Your Brand” by fashion designer Niccolo Pasqualetti, “Audience Engagement” by Silvia Bertocchi, Fondazione Sozzani’s Head of Cultural Programs; “Building Visibility and Voice in the Global Fashion Landscape” by fashion and digital creator Ryle Tuvierra, “Strategy for Global Retail ” by Le Bon Marché-Paris curator Helena Boissonnas, as well as “Building a Strong Collection: the Power of Merchandising and Pricing from the POV of a Multi-brand Store Buyer” by fashion buyer Giulia 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,” Bitagcol said, describing the one-on-one sessions as creatively stimulating.
Lorico found the lessons to be beneficial to both his brand and his design perspective, stating, “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 [culturally] sensitive aspects.” “It was a lot of great ideas compressed into one day,” Romoff added. “They are very valuable for designers who are trying to get into the international market.”
To further promote the designers’ profiles and brands in the global market, the collections presented by the 11 designers for FASHIONPhilippines Milan will also have a dedicated setting in Manila FAME 2025. The Philippines’ premier international sourcing show for home, fashion, and lifestyle will be held on October 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
Learn more about FASHIONPhilippines Milan at https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/fashionphilippines-milan.
CITEM also invites you to the upcoming Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, Philippines, on October 16-18, 2025. To learn more, go to https://fameplus.com/manila_fame.
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Jasmine Curtis-Smith is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now, as she shares her thoughts on good storytelling in films, as she’s set to star in upcoming movies Open Night, a 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sapphic film entry; and Manila’s Finest, an upcoming 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) crime drama movie.
Read the Stylish Magazine September-October 2025 cover story here.
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