Meet the Filipino Designers Joining 2026’s FASHIONPhilippines Milan Program

Adam Pereyra’s eponymous jewelry label gained attention during the Philippines’ first solo fashion exhibit at Milan Fashion Week in 2025.

Since launching his brand three years ago, Adam has worked closely with Arcilla artisans to create jewelry rooted in Filipino heritage. His pieces are largely inspired by ancient artifacts, traditional techniques, and cultural narratives that honor both the craftsmanship and precious materials that shape each design.

Joseph Bagasao, creative director of BAGASÁO, made history as the first Filipino fashion label to secure representation with European showroom Tora Tora. Known for combining architectural silhouettes with fluid tailoring, the BFFD 2024 honoree constantly collaborates with Filipino artisans to ensure authenticity in his work.

For Tessa Nepomuceno, founder of Calli, the Milan mentorship program presents another opportunity to introduce her line of accessories to a broader audience. The designer first gained industry recognition after winning the Katha Best Product Design award when Calli debuted at Manila FAME in 2014. Today, her hand-carved wooden handbags continue to attract admirers of slow, intentional luxury.

Sustainability and craftsmanship remain at the heart of Christian Dalogaog’s vision for Ched Studio. His collections often incorporate handwoven, vintage, and responsibly sourced textiles.

As he returns to Milan, Christian aims to strengthen his brand through the business and market insights offered by the program.

Textile-focused designer Steffi Cua also joins the program for a second time.

Through her label Idyllic Summers, she has spent the past five years exploring handcrafted fabrics while resisting the pressures of fast-paced production cycles.

Designer Renz Reyes likewise returns for this year's run.

Known for his use of tailored silhouettes and artisanal embellishments, the BFFD 2025 honoree balances conceptual design with practicality. Drawing from his experience in graphic design, advertising, and retail fashion, he approaches garment construction through pieces that are both wearable and thoughtfully constructed.

Though he did not come from a formal fashion background, Gabby Garcia's upbringing exposed him to local textiles and cultural traditions through his mother, a textile collector, and his grandmother, a folk dancer.

Today, Tagpi serves as a platform for artisans across the country, bringing together various materials and handcrafting techniques into a single sartorial narrative.

Joining this year’s cohort is Jose Iñigo Villegas, whose label Iñigo focuses on refining classic dressing through unexpected details and subtle twists.

Now at a stage where he is sharpening his design identity, Iñigo continues to explore how familiar silhouettes can be reimagined in fresh ways.

Jun Escario brings more than three decades of experience to the program. Having built a reputation across bridal, couture, corporate, and ready-to-wear fashion, the veteran designer now seeks a deeper understanding of the international fashion landscape.

While he previously explored markets in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, his participation signals a renewed effort to introduce Filipino glamour to the European audience.

Accessories designer Vin Orias also joins this year’s roster. For the past decade, his namesake label has focused on creating contemporary bags and footwear suited to tropical living. By combining natural materials with artisanal techniques, Orias has developed a design language that feels both modern and timeless.

Thoughtful creation remains central to Viña Romero’s work.

Rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, she develops pieces informed by the materials she uses and the collaborative process within her atelier. Her measured approach results in garments designed to endure beyond seasonal trends.

Ziv Rei Alexi draws inspiration from everyday life, particularly the scenes and characters he encounters during his commutes to his Escolta-based studio. Through his intuitive approach to fashion, the Cavite-raised designer offers a subversive perspective of Filipino culture.

Rounding out the newcomers is Palengke, the label founded by Jillian Santos and Paulina Dayrit. Since launching five years ago, the brand has become known for its whimsical sensibility and experimental spirit. As part of this year’s Milan mentorship program, the duo hopes to further develop both their creative vision and craftsmanship.