From Manila to Milan

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.

The ambitious and game-changing initiative features a three-day exhibition in Milan from 23 to 25 September, presenting curated works by 10 chosen Filipino designers and fashion brands who qualify for the program. The exhibit will be held at Fondazione Sozzani, established in 2016 by Carla 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 a host of legendary photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber and Helmut Newton. 

Before the exhibition, the selected Filipino designers and brands are allowed to undergo a series of up-close mentoring sessions with a highly distinguished seven-member panel featuring renowned industry leaders from various segments of the fashion business, including education, creative direction, buying, marketing and sales showroom management. 

With creative director Fondazione Sozzani and Milan Fashion Week International New Talent and brand ambassador Sara Sozzani-Maino are RG Showroom founder Riccardo Grassi, Niccolo Pasqualetti, international fashion stylist and consultant Riccardo Terzo, digital content creator Ryle Tuvierra, women’s lifestyle and beauty buyer for Gaudenzi Boutique Giulia Demitri, and retail expert and buying consultant with Le Bon Marchè Helena Boissonnas.

Until 14 June, aspiring designers can submit their applications through the official FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program website https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/fashionphilippines-milan. The international jury will review and vet the entries, ensuring only the most promising talents are selected. The final list of chosen designers will be officially announced the same month.