The now of fashion: 12 superstars of 2026

2026 will be exciting in the world of Philippine fashion. Each year a wave of designers come to the forefront as they take their designs future forward.  No they’re not newbies, but all are in the scene to be seen and most of them have had their moments in the spotlight. Several have achieved international exposure, appeared in premier fashion publications and participated in prestigious trade shows both in Manila and abroad.  These talented breed of young design superstars have earned their first stripes or two. Their contemporary perspectives are redefining the 2026 local fashion landscape adding both depth and dimension to it. They are the future brimming with brilliant artistry, phenomenal drive and optimism.  The new standard perhaps  — the now of fashion and hopeful icons of tomorrow.  NewNowNext welcomes the new year as it presents its forecast of 12 designers in 2026. 

Designer: Peter Gagula

Brand: Peach.Garde

Peter Gagula, 35, is an Iloilo City–based fashion designer and the creative force behind PEACH.GARDE, a brand known for its minimalist aesthetic, refined tailoring and sustainable approach to modern fashion. He earned his degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) in 2018. Deeply rooted in craftsmanship, he further honed his expertise by completing a British Bespoke Tailoring course at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School in 2022. In the same year, he joined ISAT-U’s Fashion and Wellness Department as a part time instructor, where he has since inspired young designers. Peter’s dedication and artistry have earned him several prestigious honors: Pacita Longos Medal (Gold Award) — Ternocon 2025 (January 2025); Bench Design Awards 2025 — Top 3 Winner (April 2025); Champion Mentor, DOST-PTRI Stitch-Off: National Streetwear Competition (2023). His recent wins have propelled PEACH.GARDE onto the global stage, with Peter’s collection showcased at Tokyo Fashion Week in September 2025, marking a new milestone in his evolving journey.

Designer: Stephany Verano

Brand: STEPHVERANO

“I am a Social Sciences graduate from Ateneo de Manila University with a specialization in Cultural Heritage and a minor in Development Management. After university, I enrolled in the Dressmaking and Fashion Design courses at Slim’s and pursued further fashion studies at ESMOD, doing the intensive track for the Styliste Designer Mode program with a specialization in Knitwear for the final year. While in Paris, I also did internships with Leonard, Coralie Marabelle, La Prestic Ouiston and Vetements. Being part of this year’s Bench Design Awards, I am more determined to work on how my brand, STEPHVERANO, can best reflect the intersecting influences of art, heritage, and personal craft.”

Designer: Alser Lumawag

Brand: ALSR

Rooted in Filipino sensibility, Alser Lumawag’s vision for ALSR lies in finding stories within the ordinary, transforming overlooked symbols of daily life into statements of creativity and cultural reflection. His works serve as both commentary and conversation, encouraging viewers to engage and to rethink what it means to wear one’s work. He is currently studying Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and was a finalist in the Bench Design Awards 2025. As a working student during his college years, he interned at Jor-el Espina Atelier in Iloilo City, where he was mentored by the designer himself.

Designer: Andre Plaus

Brand: Andre Plaus

Andre Plaus is fashion designer based in Cavite that focuses on knitwear. He recently graduated BA Fashion Design and Technology at iAcademy. I recently joined Bench Design Awards with my collection Fever Dreams Inc that landed me on the finalist lineup. I spent my internship days at Ha.Mu and learned a lot from my mentors on designing and managing a brand. My designs are inspired from my childhood nostalgia, hence the playful colors and the rich textures.

Designer: Gil Salazar

Brand: Gil Salazar

Gil Salazar is a fashion designer whose practice bridges thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary design. He trained at Slim’s Fashion and Art School (2017–2019) before completing his studies at SoFA Design Institute (2021–2023), where he also served as a SoFA Ambassador. He honed his professional experience working as a Marketing and Design Associate under Hindy Weber Tantoco (2024–2025) and is currently working under Sai Sankoh as Creative Product Development In-Charge. Salazar’s work has garnered industry recognition, including being named a Finalist in the Bench Design Awards 2025 and earning a spot among the Top 15 Designers in the Mega Young Designers Competition 2024.

Designer:  Sandro de la Peña

Brand: Sandro de la Pena

Sandro Dela Peña studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. He was a finalist at the Mega Young Designers Competition 2024 and the Bench Design Awards 2025, where he presented his collections.

Following his academic training, Dela Peña pursued freelance styling and gained experience in retail as a store associate. He currently serves as Sales and Marketing Manager for a local fashion brand, informing his practice with a grounded understanding of both creative and commercial contexts.

Since 2018, Dela Peña’s practice has been anchored in conceptual rigor and pragmatism. His work investigates form, tactility, and emotional resonance, with restraint functioning as a deliberate design strategy. Bridging wearability and craft, his designs articulate a contemporary sensibility defined by precision, material sensitivity, and quiet expression.

Designer: Marc Carcillar 

Brand: Marc Carcillar 

“I run my own label, Marc Carcillar, where I experiment with my personal style, especially textured materials. I’m also the founder of MARCOpilipino, a brand that shares the story of the Philippines. It has been a long journey before I took a chance in fashion. I worked in corporate roles before starting these brands. I studied dressmaking at Slims (2013–2014) and was part of the second group to complete the full courses at FAB Creatives (2021–2022). I made it to the finals at TERNOCOn (2023) and also competed in the Bench Design Awards (2025).”

Designer:  Renee de Guzman 

Brand: R/STUDIOS 

Renee de Guzman is a contemporary Filipino designer focusing heavily on textiles and experimental motifs whilst presenting emotional and personal narratives into her brand. Into her design career, she has won an award at Mittelmoda Fashion Awards 2018 in Treviso, and was a finalist for Giuliacarla Cecchi 2017 in Florence, and Bench Design Awards in 2025. She finished her postgraduate studies at London College of Fashion Major in Design Technology Womenswear and was part of the pioneering team of Vogue Philippines back in 2022. At the moment, she is doing her brand full-time and is a contributor for styling at Vogue Philippines.

R/STUDIOS is all about bringing personal stories and observations that will strike conversations and make people experience art and emotions through fashion. A brand that believes in storytelling with people always having a piece to take home, relive, and remember. To create pieces that people will make beautiful memories with; a tangible memory that can be passed on from one generation to the next.

Designer: Jorem Biadoma

Brand: JOREM

Jorem Biadoma is a multidisciplinary creative whose practice intersects art and design. His work revolves around the material and emotional dimensions of fashion. Educated in Fashion Design and Merchandising at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. His multiway designs draw inspiration from the restless curiosity of creative individuals, those who constantly shift and explore.

Prior to being a finalist for (2025) Bench Design Awards, Jorem worked as a product developer specializing in ladies’ intimates, activewear and swimwear. His label was recently featured in Yari, a collective pop-up market showcasing emerging  designers.

Designer: KOKO Gonzales

Brand: Koko Gonzales 

Koko Gonzales is a Mandaluyong-based designer whose practice is rooted in making, observation, and everyday wear. Before taking short courses in pattern making under Jojie Lloren in 2013 and at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) Makati in 2015, he worked in retail, an experience that shaped his understanding of wearability and production. He continues to develop his work through hands-on studio practice. In January 2025, he was a finalist at Ternocon; in June 2025, he presented his work at Indonesia Fashion Week; and in September 2025, he debuted a collection at Bench Fashion Week — experiences that continue to inform his approach to contemporary Filipiniana.

Designer: Karl Nadales

Brand: Nadale

Karl Nadales is a contemporary Filipino fashion designer known for his technical approach and for blending personal narrative with contemporary design. He is one of the winners of the Bench Design Awards 2025, a Ternocon 2023 finalist, and an alumnus of FAB Creatives 2021. His modest experience include apprenticeship under Philippine fashion industry stalwarts Jojie Loren and Inno Sotto. Karl is the founder of the brand nadalē, which explores autobiography, memory, and emotional landscapes through refined, tailored, and experimental garments.

Designer: Adam Pereyra

Brand: Adam Pereyra

Adam Pereyra is a Filipino jewelry designer with a practice grounded in handcraft, heritage, and contemporary form. He studied fashion design at SoFA Design Institute, and his discipline has been shaped through close workmanship with master goldsmith Ely Arcilla II, sustained by hands-on collaboration. His pieces have appeared on the pages of Vogue Philippines, L’Officiel Philippines, and Preview, while his work continues to evolve through independent collections and international presentations.

In his first two years, he participated in more than 12 trade fairs and market activations and recently returned from Milan through the FASHIONPhilippines 2025 program. He works between fine jewelry and object-based design, positioning craft as both cultural memory and expression.