Filipino Designer Brandon Chan Takes the Runway at NYFW 2026
As the Philippines' sole representative at Asian New York Fashion Week, the homegrown designer made his introduction through an intrinsic 10-piece collection.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Oct 14, 2026
As one of the world’s undisputed fashion capitals, New York City offers a unique platform for designers and other purveyors of style. The “concrete jungle where dreams are made” is also a place where runway fashion spills onto the streets, and vice versa. Constant reinvention is part of the city’s identity, and with every fashion week season comes an opportunity for designers to establish themselves and explore new creative possibilities.
At New York Fashion Week this 2026, Filipino designer Brandon Chan seized that opportunity. The homegrown talent has been steadily finding his footing in the industry over the past two years but had yet to stage a fashion show of his own. Making his solo runway debut in the Big Apple was, understandably, a significant milestone. For Brandon, however, the occasion was about more than simply showing his work on an international stage. Rather, it was a step toward realizing a larger vision for himself and his namesake label.
“For me, this isn’t just about bringing a collection to New York,” he tells Preview in an exclusive interview. "It’s about introducing Brandon Chan to a wider audience and building a design language that people can recognize."
“I [wanted] to bring my own perspective, craftsmanship, and design language, and let the work speak [about] where I come from.”
Inside Brandon Chan's Asian New York Fashion Week Debut
The fashion week calendar included a showcase spotlighting Asian designers, each representing their country through a 10-piece collection. As the sole representative from the Philippines, Brandon saw the opportunity to present the full breadth of his design identity, from his established signatures to the creative direction he envisions for his namesake label.
“I wanted this collection to really introduce the direction I see for Brandon Chan,” he muses. “I wanted to showcase a more contemporary, fearless, and intentional side of the brand while still highlighting some of our signature details.”
In his second year in the industry, Brandon has begun establishing a distinct set of design codes. Petal-like draping, serpentine embellishments, and precise corsetry are among the defining elements of a Brandon Chan creation. Bringing these signatures together in just 10 looks called for a “clean and crisp” approach, from initial sketches to the runway. “The goal was to let the construction and silhouettes speak for themselves without making the pieces feel overly complicated,” he says.
At the heart of the collection is Brandon’s vision of constant evolution for his namesake label. To express this idea through clothing, he explored a color progression that symbolized personal growth and a willingness to embrace change. “We started with black dresses, representing a period of uncertainty and feeling stuck, and gradually introduced color as the collection evolved,” the designer explains.
“It represents how we can create things that still surprise us in the best possible way. No matter how stagnant you may feel your life is at a certain point, nothing is permanent. Eventually, you’ll find the palette that feels right for you, and that’s when you begin to thrive,” he continues.
As the looks transitioned from subdued to vivid, Brandon showcased not only the design techniques he has honed over the years but also a personal journey of growth and transformation. Through the collection, he further defined the Brandon Chan muse as “sophisticated, independent, and very intentional about how she presents herself.”
This strong sense of self also shows up in Brandon’s design practice. His Filipino upbringing has shaped his approach to fashion in deeply personal ways, with the women who surrounded him growing up serving as inspiration for the muses he envisions. “I grew up surrounded by strong, supportive women, and their strength, dedication, and resilience have always inspired me,” he shares.
“I think that naturally comes through in the way I design for women—I want them to feel confident, strong, and beautiful, while still being themselves.”
Story by Em Enriquez. Photos and videos by Dhruv Pandiri, Asher Dorlester, Emily Yuan, Jayson Silva, John Mumm, and Jennelle Ledesma, courtesy of Brandon Chan.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.