DTI-CITEM unveils 12 designers for Milan fashion program

1 of 6

The Department of Trade and Industry, through its Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), announced the 12 Filipino designers selected for the FASHIONPhilippines Milan mentorship program.

The initiative, in collaboration with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), aims to elevate the Philippines as a global hub for sustainable design and talent, culminating in an exhibition during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026.

The selected designers were 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.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque highlighted that this initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to showcase Filipino creativity and expand economic opportunities for local brands in the highly competitive international market.

“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,” Secretary Roque added.

The program is divided into two phases. The first, which is already underway, involves local creative planning sessions.

The second phase is a four-day intensive mentorship and exhibition in Milan from September 22 to 25, led by Sara Sozzani Maino, the 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 Spring/Summer 2026, the designers will each present a 15-piece collection at Fondazione Sozzani. Three of these garments will be made with Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT), which are developed from indigenous fibers such as abaca, banana, pineapple, and bamboo with the help of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). The exhibition will also feature works from Filipino visual artists.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo highlighted the strategic nature of the initiative.

“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,” Executive Director Pulido said.

The designers’ collections will also be presented locally at the Manila FAME 2025, the country’s premier trade show for home, fashion, and lifestyle products, from October 16-18 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.