In the luminous world of fashion, September in Milan is the ultimate stage. And this year, twelve Filipino designers will step into the spotlight. From handwoven piña to contemporary couture, their creations will cross continents to be mentored by Vogue Italia’s Sara Sozzani Maino and unveiled at the prestigious Fondazione Sozzani during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026. It’s a moment where heritage meets high fashion, and the Philippines takes its seat at the global style table.
In a news release, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), unveiled the talented lineup for the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program, an initiative crafted in collaboration with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC) to position the country as a global hub for sustainable design and creative excellence.
The chosen designers—Adam Pereyra, Joseph Agustin Bagasao III for Bagasao, Theresa Nepomuceno for Calli, Carl Jan Cruz, Christian Edward Dalogaog for Ched Studio, Steffi Cua for Idyllic Summers, Jerome Lorico for Lorico, Renz Reyes, Joaquin Gabriel Almazan for Tagpi, Jo Ann Bitagcol for Bitagcol, Vania Romoff, and Thian Rodriguez—will represent the diversity and artistry of Philippine fashion.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque noted that the program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of promoting Filipino creativity while opening doors for economic growth in the competitive global marketplace.
“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,” Roque said.
The program unfolds in two phases. The first, already underway in the Philippines, involves intensive creative planning. The second takes place from September 22 to 25 in Milan, where the designers will undergo a four-day immersion led by Maino, head of special projects at Vogue Italia and creative director of Fondazione Sozzani.
“Those four days will be intense. The mentors’ guidance will be based on what we know about the designers’ profiles and what we believe they need,” Maino said in a video interview.
During Milan Fashion Week, each designer will present a 15-piece collection, with at least three garments crafted using Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT)—sustainable fabrics made from indigenous fibers like abaca, banana, pineapple, and bamboo, developed with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). The showcase will also feature works from Filipino visual artists, adding a multi-dimensional celebration of Philippine creativity.
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo emphasized the program’s strategic purpose.
“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,” Ocampo said.
The designers’ collections will return home for Manila FAME 2025, the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle products, running from October 16 to 18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.
