In the wise words of Forrest Gump, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. Safe to say, that is exactly what fashion is. With so many style interpretations out there, it could go either way. Now transpose that into a design competition, then it’s a myriad of possibilities. When it comes to showcasing what creativity can truly become, the Bench Design Awards does not disappoint!

In its 2025 iteration, 12 designers featured a diverse set of points-of-view — a representation of the vast diaspora of Philippine fashion. From avant-garde and in your face rendered in black and red, and a statement-making tribute on the impact of overconsumption, to the beautifully-tailored and sculptural, each eight-piece collection was meant to be seen, considered and understood. After all, they were vying for an impressive list of prizes — a cash grant of P200,000, hotel accommodations and airfare to Tokyo, Japan, where they will have the opportunity to present during Tokyo Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 2026) later this year.

Judging their work was a list of Manila’s style leaders, led by Bench’s head honcho Ben Chan, veteran designers Dennis Lustico and Joey Samson, and fashion show director and celebrity stylist Michael Salientes. They were joined by the director of Japan Fashion Week Organization Kaoru Imajo, and Maison Mihara Yushiro designer Mihara Yasuhiro.

From these 12, three — Peach Garde, Steph Verano and Karl Nadales — were chosen to join the elite circle of Bench Design Awards winners. Their lives as designers are about to change, by leaps and bounds.