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.
For Karl Nadales, who is a scholar of the Fashion Arts and Business (FAB) program at FAB Creatives, has been working hard at defining his design philosophy. He aspires to create clothing that is evokes memories and emotions, telling a part of the story of the person who wears them. In this collection, which he named A-17, he explores themes of migration and change as a catalyst for reflection, redefining identities and relationships. He expresses these in ragged asymmetrical edges, long linear silhouettes, and a neutral palette — which give a sense of malleability and adaptability.
Aside from being the lead designer and creative director of his eponymous brand name, Peach Garde honors his Ilonggo roots as an instructor at the Iloilo Science and Technology University. His signature style is minimal and clean, designed for repeated use and versatility. For this collection, he takes inspiration from ocean blues — apropos for that long awaited summer beach trip. Some pieces are deconstructed, or maybe even a little off-kilter, but are imbued with a carefree quality that mimics the wind and the waves. One charming detail — an embroidered jellyfish with its tentacles hanging loose from the front of the shirt.
Last, but not the least, is Steph Verano. She has created a name for herself by designing womenswear that is equal parts cerebral and intuitive. A graduate of ESMOD Paris, her pieces reflect a more global point-of-view. For the BDA presentation, Verano was inspired by vintage photographs of fisherfolk and their lives by the coast. Shades of red, mustard, taupe, and black bring to life utilitarian silhouettes worn by workers, but seen through a designer’s eye. Her pieces are interesting expressions of movement, of nostalgia, and the human spirit.
Since its inception in 2017, the Bench Design Awards has become a tipping point emerging Filipino designers. Not only for the winners, but also for the other design talent who make it as finalists. Among the names who got their big break through the competition are Jaggy Glarino, Bon Hansen, Renz Reyes, Jenni Contreras and Nina Amoncio. Since then, they have carved their own niche in the world of Philippine fashion, and have grown their own following.
In one single night, Peach Garde, Steph Verano and Karl Nadales find themselves standing shoulder to shoulder with designers in the big leagues. The cash grant allows them to dream bigger. To take their creativity to the next level. Just the extra boost they need as they hold space for a shot at that global stage.
As the world craves more fashion that carries its own identity yet is malleable to that of the wearer yet speaks of authenticity, these three are poised to take it on.