FROM MANILA TO MILAN: 12 Filipino Designers to Debut at Prestigious Fondazione Sozzani
(L–R, Upper row) Tetta Ortiz-Matera, LIT Fashion Consultancy; Steffi Cua; Jerome Lorico; Ched Dalogaog; Carl Jan Cruz; Tessa Nepomuceno; Jo Ann Bitagcol; Joseph Bagasao; and Adam Pereyra
FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program Elevates Filipino Fashion to Global Spotlight
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), and LIT Fashion Consultancy proudly announce the delegates for the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025, a landmark initiative that places Filipino fashion front and center on the global stage.
The program culminates in a highly anticipated three-day exhibition at the prestigious Fondazione Sozzani in Milan on September 23 to 25, 2025, coinciding with Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026. The showcase will feature curated works by 12 outstanding Filipino designers, bringing the country’s vibrant creativity to one of the world’s most important fashion capitals.
The final list of delegates includes:
Adam Pereyra (Adam Pereyra)
Joseph Bagasao (Bagasáo)
Jo Ann Bitagcol (Bitagcol)
Tessa Nepomuceno (Calli)
Carl Jan Cruz (Carl Jan Cruz)
Ched Dalogaog (Ched Studio)
Steffi Cua (Idyllic Summers)
Jerome Lorico (Lorico)
Renz Reyes (Renz Reyes)
Gabby Garcia (Tagpi)
Thian Rodriguez (Thian Rodriguez)
Vania Romoff (Vania Romoff)
Fondazione Sozzani, founded in 2016 by Carla Sozzani together with Kris Ruhs and her daughter Sara Sozzani Maino, is renowned for celebrating photography, fashion, and the arts, and has hosted exhibitions by icons such as Yayoi Kusama, Maison Martin Margiela, and Annie Leibovitz. Presenting Filipino talent within this storied venue definitely marks a milestone for the country’s fashion industry.
A Unique Mentorship Opportunity
In Manila, the delegates are receiving invaluable guidance through mentoring sessions led by fashion experts who generously devote their time out of a deep commitment to championing Filipino talent on the world stage. These sessions are designed to hone the skills of the designers and ensure that their work reflects the best of Filipino artistry while remaining relevant on the international landscape.
The mentorship journey begins right here in Manila, where an impressive roster of local mentors has been guiding the delegates even before they set out for Italy. Tetta Ortiz-Matera provides critical insights on collection curation and exhibition readiness, while stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu shares expertise on conceptual coherence and storytelling. Resource speakers, Pam Quiñones and Trickie Lopa, share insights on striking the delicate balance between staying true to Filipino roots while creating collections with international appeal. Carmina Sanchez-Jacob of FASHx offers guidance on market positioning, pricing structures, and target demographics to ensure the collections are commercially viable. Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines, emphasizes the delicate balance between creativity, innovation, sustainability, and marketability. For brands requiring IPO registration and formal brand development, designer and educator Esme Palaganas delivers invaluable direction. In keeping with the digital era, Paolo Reyes of Monday Off lends his expertise in strengthening the designers’ social media content and digital presence. Complementing these creative and business-focused sessions, DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. provides specialized mentorship on Filipino textile innovation—particularly on the use of technology and fabric selection—helping designers integrate cutting-edge techniques while maximizing the potential of local materials. This series of engagements underscores the collaborative effort to empower Filipino designers as they prepare to showcase their vision in Milan. These early mentoring sessions underscore that the program is not only about international exposure but also about building a strong foundation at home to ensure long-term success.
Ahead of the Milan exhibition, the delegates will also undergo intensive mentorship sessions with a distinguished eight-member panel of global fashion leaders. The lineup, led by Sara Sozzani-Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani and Milan Fashion Week International New Talent and Brand Ambassador, includes Riccardo Grassi, Niccolo Pasqualetti, Riccardo Terzo, Silvia Bertocchi, Ryle Tuvierra, Giulia Demitri, and Helena Boissonnas. These mentors will guide the designers through portfolio reviews, collection previews, and one-on-one consultations, ensuring a meaningful and career-shaping experience.
Championing Filipino Creativity
DTI Secretary Cris Roque shares, “The FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025 reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating and propelling Filipino design onto the global stage. Through this initiative, we are not only showcasing our country’s immense design talent but also broadening economic opportunities for our designers and local brands in the highly competitive international market.”
CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido-Ocampo emphasizes, “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.”
PFC Chairperson Carissa Cruz-Evangelista adds, “By engaging with top-tier industry professionals and participating in major fashion events, our designers gain exposure, credibility, and access to opportunities that can define their careers.”
Program co-organizer Tetta Ortiz-Matera of LIT Fashion Consultancy underscores, “This is a rare and strategic chance for Filipino designers to not only showcase their works but also become part of the global fashion conversation.”
“We are proud to stand behind the talented Filipino designers selected for the Milan Mentorship Program, as they carry with them not only their artistry but also the stories of Philippine innovation, showing how science and technology in our textiles can uplift communities and place our heritage on the global stage,” concludes DOST-PTRI Director IV Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr.
With Milan as their stage, the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025 promises to carve a lasting Filipino imprint on the international fashion landscape.
For updates and inquiries, follow CITEM on Facebookand Instagram, DOST-PTRI on Facebook and Instagram, and Philippine Fashion Coalition on Facebookand Instagrampages.