Meet Pam Parreno, the 22-Year-Old Designer Who Debuted Her Collection in New York
The young designer was among the presenters at the recent Asian New York Fashion Week.
Published on Oct 3, 2025
When Pam Parreno stood backstage watching her first collection walk down the runway, she knew she had stepped into a dream made real. “To stand on the New York Fashion Week stage at 22 is such a blessing beyond anything I ever dreamed of,” she shares.
At just 22, Pam was among the designers featured in this year’s Asian New York Fashion Week, where she presented her nine-piece debut collection called "The Feminine Unique."
Pam studied fashion at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. After graduating in 2024, she now works as an assistant designer at Michael Leyva’s atelier. Working with one of the Philippines’ most celebrated designers gave her an early glimpse into the world of couture-level craftsmanship. That training, paired with her own sensibilities, now defines the way she approaches her work— technical, intricate, but always with a story at its core.
Those influences truly came alive in her latest collection. Built around the idea of “empowered softness,” the lineup explored the dualities of womanhood: delicate yet commanding, graceful but rebellious.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, the up-and-coming designer reflects on her debut in New York. “I want people to see that femininity is powerful in all its forms,” Pam explains.
Ahead, get to know more about Pam's journey in fashion.
Filipino Fashion Designer Pam Parreno on Her Asian New York Fashion Week Debut
Congratulations on your NYFW debut, Pam! How does it feel to be able to showcase your work at such a global event?
"Thank you! It still feels so surreal. To stand on the New York Fashion Week stage at 22 is such a blessing beyond anything I ever dreamed of. I’ve been preparing for this moment for almost a year, and to finally see it come alive was both humbling and empowering. It feels like the beginning of something bigger, and I’m just so grateful. It’s a dream come true for me."
You presented your collection with Asian New York Fashion Week. Could you tell us how the opportunity came about?
"I was actually invited to showcase last year right after my graduation show, but I declined because I needed more time to conceptualize. When they invited me again this year, I knew I couldn’t pass on the opportunity."
"It’s an honor to be part of a community that celebrates Asian voices in fashion, designers who are redefining modern couture and ready-to-wear with artistry and innovation. To see my work represented on a global stage makes it even more meaningful."
What was the concept and theme behind your collection, and how is it connected to your design ethos?
"My collection is called The Feminine Unique. It’s inspired by the idea of empowered softness — showing how femininity can be both delicate and strong, graceful yet rebellious."
"I’ve always believed that fashion should tell a story, and for me, this collection is about translating emotions into fabric and form. It’s deeply connected to my ethos of creating pieces that celebrate individuality and the dualities within women."
Are there any particular influences that shaped your collection? How did they inspire your work?
"I’m always inspired by real women— women who embrace every side of themselves with authenticity."
"For this collection, I also found myself drawing inspiration from my own emotional journey. I wanted to explore the contrasts we all carry— strength and tenderness, elegance and rebellion— and reflect that through my pieces."
What are the main design elements that defined your collection?
"I worked with capiz shells for structure and luminosity, silky organzas for movement and flow, and every piece features hand-appliquéd and hand-beaded details. I like simple silhouettes but embellished and elevated in detail. I would say that the capiz looks were one of my favorites. As well as the pink coat. They were heavy on detail but it was balanced."
What methods or crafting techniques did you use to construct your pieces? How long did it take to complete this collection?
"I really love detailed techniques, so a lot of the pieces are handmade with hours of hand-beading, embroidery, and appliqués. The collection took several months to complete, with each look requiring a very hands-on process. The final pink coat, for example, took about two months... it’s fully handmade and hand-beaded, which makes it very special to me."
What specific message do you wish to convey through this collection? How do you want others to feel after seeing your work?
"I want people to see that femininity is powerful in all its forms. Women can be soft and strong, graceful yet bold— and that complexity is what makes them extraordinary. I hope those who see my work feel both inspired and celebrated, and that they find a piece of their own story reflected in the clothes. I hope they feel more confident and more beautiful wearing my clothes as well."
Can you share any fun facts or unknown trivia about any of your pieces?
"The final pink coat took us about two months to make. It was incredibly intricate and detailed— every bead and stitch was done by hand. It’s one of those pieces that carries so much heart and effort, and that makes it all the more meaningful. It’s one of my favorites as well!"
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.