Meeting of (creative) minds

SoFA Design Institute, the country’s leading design school, will host its Graduation Fashion Show 2025, entitled “FOREGATHER,” launching a new breed of design leaders in the country. The event will be held on 18 January, 7 p.m., at The Fifth at Rockwell, the events hall found in the heart of the Rockwell Center, Makati City.

FOREGATHER is a “meeting place” for 20 designers to tell their stories through each of their six-piece collections that bare their truths, histories and sensibilities.

This year’s show participants will include 11 graduates of the four-year BA Fashion Design and Marketing program, joined by nine students from the two-year Fashion Design and Marketing program.

Coming together to share their design stories are Anne Christine Tiu, Diana Lei Abanto, Nikka Bañaga, Gianne Belle Pabrua, Rogeline Uchi, Clyemae Suarez, Catherine Nicole Sta. Ana, Hanz Nabong, Sophia Isabella Reganit, Jilliane Theresa Louise Santos and Veda Galagnara from the four-year course.

Designers of the two-year course include Dexter Leil Monette Deala, Gio Leandro Nogales, Krystel Ayao, Kimberly Rios, Joshua Miguel Baysa, Neil Angielo Mindanao, Selina Tiu, Kyla Jin Gregorio and Mara Sofia Imperial.

The Institute’s programs equip its students with a strong foundation in creative design and the business of fashion, preparing them to navigate and shape the industry.

“The SoFA Method” — the Institute’s unique approach for creative self-discovery — encourages students to find inspiration from within and explore unconventional avenues of artistic expression. Whilst honing technical skills, they craft a distinct design language that allows them to turn their personal visions into tangible artworks.

Twenty dreams are about to come true as they march into their designing future with pride and own authentic and distinct story to tell.