Global mentors shape Filipino designers at Milan fashion event

The future of Filipino fashion is stepping onto the world stage—and it’s doing so with world-class guidance.

As part of its bold mission to empower homegrown talents, FASHIONPhilippines, the flagship promotions program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), is launching a landmark mentorship and exhibition initiative in Milan—the epicenter of global fashion.

Slated for Milan Fashion Week 2025, the FASHIONPhilippines Mentorship Program offers a rare opportunity for Filipino designers and brands to break into the elite European market. Spearheaded by CITEM, in partnership with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), LIT Fashion Consultancy, and the DOST–Philippine Textile Research Institute, this prestigious platform goes beyond showcasing style—it’s about shaping stories, refining vision, and building global relevance.

At the helm of this initiative is Fondazione Sozzani, a revered Milanese institution dedicated to the intersection of fashion, photography, design, and cultural innovation. Together, they’ve curated a powerhouse lineup of mentors whose impact spans fashion’s most iconic runways and emerging global scenes.

Meet the visionaries behind the program

Sara Sozzani Maino
Creative director, Fondazione Sozzani
A pillar of global fashion and a relentless champion of emerging creatives, Sozzani Maino brings decades of experience from her pivotal roles at Vogue Italia and Vogue Talents. Her ethos is simple yet powerful:

“I look for designers with strong narratives—those who champion the process and the people behind every piece.”

Riccardo Grassi
Founder, RG Showroom & Co-Founder, Studio Zeta
An industry tastemaker with a sharp instinct for the next big thing, Grassi has helped propel avant-garde labels like Martin Margiela and Neil Barrett into the global spotlight. He’s a trusted reference among the world’s top buyers—and now, a mentor for Filipino talent on the rise.

Silvia Bertocchi
Head of cultural programs, Fondazione Sozzani
Bertocchi leads the curation of fashion, art, and design exhibitions that blend heritage with contemporary vision. Her role in the program offers invaluable perspective on cross-disciplinary storytelling and global cultural alignment.

Riccardo Terzo
Fashion editor & stylist, Condé Nast / Vogue Italia
From editorial spreads to fashion week reports, Terzo has an eye for uncovering and amplifying the voices of tomorrow. His mentorship bridges editorial storytelling with commercial viability.

Niccolò Pasqualetti
Fashion designer, LVMH Prize finalist
Pasqualetti’s signature aesthetic of androgynous silhouettes rooted in natural geometry has earned accolades from Camera Moda Fashion Trust to the Franca Sozzani Award. His insights are especially vital for designers seeking to break boundaries in identity, form, and sustainability.

Ryle Tuvierra
Fashion & digital creator, Barcelona
A Filipino creative thriving in Europe’s fashion and digital landscape, Tuvierra brings dynamic expertise in content strategy, visual storytelling, and digital fashion branding—crucial for building globally relevant labels in today’s interconnected market.

Giulia Demitri
Fashion buyer & visual merchandiser, Gaudenzi Boutique – Milan
With a keen sense for trend forecasting and data-driven market analysis, Demitri guides brands on how to position themselves in high-end retail environments with both flair and foresight.

Helena Boissonnas
Senior buyer, Le Bon Marché (LVMH) – Paris
As one of the leading voices in brand sourcing for Le Bon Marché, Boissonnas plays a vital role in bringing fresh global names to Parisian luxury retail. Her mentorship promises key insights on buying psychology, product curation, and how to enter the luxury space with authenticity.

The Milan mentorship that matters

Through curated workshops, industry dialogues, and hands-on guidance, the FASHIONPhilippines Milan 2025 cohort will gain firsthand access to some of fashion’s most respected minds. From crafting compelling brand stories to navigating the buyer landscape, this initiative aims to transform promising Filipino labels into globally competitive powerhouses.

Applications are open until 13 June 2025.