Francis Libiran has built a successful career spanning over two decades, recently marking 27 years of his craft as he was named one of the 2026 People of the Year by People Asia magazine.

Beginnings

I dared to dream and this dream of mine has been apparent since I was a child. As early as eight years old, I have always thought of creating beautiful clothes. I would sketch designs at the back of my notebook and hide it from my parents because I thought they wouldn’t be so supportive. Growing up, that dream didn’t fade. It stayed at the back of my mind and in the core of my heart.

Eventually, I studied architecture at the University of Santo Tomas before pursuing a course in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines and that’s where it all started.

Challenges

A career of almost three decades in the fashion industry is definitely no easy task. There have always been inevitable challenges to be consistent and relevant or to simply keep going. But there is also that point of hope and faithfulness which comes from my core and from the love of my craft that led me to where I am today.

I am truly overwhelmed and at the same time grateful, because for many years I have been able to be of service to others and make them look good, feel good, while paying it forward to the community.

Where I am now

I recently marked 27 years and was named one of the 2026 People of the Year by People Asia magazine.

Honestly, reaching close to 30 years in this industry is incredibly humbling. At this stage, my focus is building a lasting legacy and elevating Filipino craftsmanship globally. Opening our largest flagship boutique at Shangri-La Plaza has been a wonderful milestone for the team, and expanding into our fragrance and home line has been equally rewarding, especially since it allows us to give back and support children’s welfare foundations.

For me, fashion is about storytelling, and it has been an absolute honor to represent the country on major platforms. From dressing heads of state for diplomatic summits, international celebrities for global awards, and designing the “Sinag Barong” for Team Philippines at the Paris Olympics, every international showcase is just a beautiful opportunity to share our structured, architectural elegance with the world, and I’m deeply grateful to still do what I love while mentoring the next generation.

Wisdom

It truly takes a village. Success is a team effort of like-minded people who share the same vision, and I have been blessed with such wonderful people around me. You don’t ever take that for granted. To reach the end goal, it takes a lot of faith, hard work and discipline.

I’ve also learned the importance of believing in what I am capable of doing and being tenacious. Dreaming is not enough. You also have to do the work and keep believing in yourself and your team. You inspire them and work harmoniously together. Anything is possible with the right amount of faith and hard work.