In the continuing quest to open doors for Filipino talent in the international fashion scene, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), together with Tetta Ortiz-Matera of LIT Fashion Consultancy, join forces as they announce the launch of the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025.
Designed to educate, expose, and embolden Filipino designers and local brands, the ambitious and game-changing initiative features a three-day exhibition in Milan on September 23 to 25, presenting curated works by 10 chosen Filipino designers and fashion brands who qualify for the program. The exhibit will be held at the prestigious Fondazione Sozzani, established in 2016 by Carla Sozzani. Dedicated to promoting culture through photography, fashion, fine arts, and applied arts, the foundation curates and coordinates projects focused on education, responsibility, and the next generation of creatives.
Fondazione Sozzani
The designers’ works will be presented in the same space that has seen exhibits by some of the world’s most iconic artists and designers like Yayoi Kusama, Maison Martin Margiela, Zandra Rhodes, and legendary photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber, and Helmut Newton. To add to the excitement, this exhibit coincides with one of the world’s most important fashion events—Milan Fashion Week S/S 2026.
Prior to the exhibition, the selected Filipino designers and brands will undergo a series of up-close mentoring sessions with a highly distinguished seven-member panel featuring renowned industry leaders from various fashion sectors including education, creative direction, buying, marketing, and showroom management. The mentors will provide hands-on guidance through portfolio reviews, collection previews, and one-on-one sessions designed to empower and inspire.
Led by Fondazione Sozzani Creative Director and Milan Fashion Week International New Talent and Brand Ambassador Sara Sozzani-Maino, the mentor lineup includes:
-
Riccardo Grassi – RG Showroom Founder
-
Niccolò Pasqualetti – Designer and founder of his eponymous brand
-
Riccardo Terzo – International fashion stylist and consultant
Ryle Tuvierra, International Jury for FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program
-
Ryle Tuvierra – Celebrated digital content creator
-
Giulia Demitri – Women’s lifestyle & beauty buyer for Gaudenzi Boutique
-
Helena Boissonnas – Retail expert & buying consultant with Le Bon Marché
Sozzani-Maino shares,
“Innovation thrives where creativity meets collaboration. Together with CITEM and the talented Filipino designers, we aim to shape a vision for education that fuses craft with purpose—transforming ideas into meaningful, lasting experiences.”
A Global Platform for Filipino Fashion
Championing Filipino talent and ingenuity, DTI Secretary Cris Roque expressed the program’s alignment with the country’s broader development goals:
“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 emphasized the role of mentorship in cultivating Filipino creativity:
“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. It’s about fostering long-term business growth and cultivating awareness on the Filipino aesthetic that’s worthy of global recognition.”
PFC Chairperson Carissa Cruz-Evangelista highlighted the growing local and international support for the project:
“We are happy that DTI, CITEM, Fondazione Sozzani, and our other collaborators have all shown enthusiasm and commitment to this endeavor. 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 and hone the future direction of our Philippine design industry.”
Echoing this, Tetta Ortiz-Matera of LIT Fashion Consultancy adds:
“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, with direct mentorship from experts who can help refine their vision and business strategies.”
Call for Applications: Qualifications and Requirements
From April 21 to June 14, 2025, aspiring designers can submit their applications through the official program website:
https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/fashionphilippines-milan
Qualifications:
-
Must be a member of the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC)
-
Must have a registered business in the Philippines for at least two years
-
Designer must be a Filipino national
-
Collections must be produced in the Philippines
-
Must have launched at least two collections in the past two years and be able to present a 15–20-piece collection during the Milan exhibition
Requirements:
-
Brand profile and concept description
-
Designer’s personal and professional details
-
Proof of business registration and sustainability efforts
-
Portfolio of past and current collections
-
Contact and distribution details
For more details on how to apply and access the application form, please visit:
https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/fashionphilippines-milan
Stay updated by following CITEM and the Philippine Fashion Coalition on Facebook and Instagram.
