Bringing Philippine design to Milan

Mentorship program builds on lessons learned here

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TWELVE DESIGNERS are going to Milan this year for a mentorship program, culminating in a three-day exhibition in Fondazione Sozzani in Milan from Sept. 23 to 25.

The 12 delegates were announced in a press conference at Hotel Benilde in Manila on Aug. 11. They are a mix of young and established names: Adam Pereyra, Joseph Bagasao, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Tessa Nepomuceno, Carl Jan Cruz, Ched Dalogaog, Steffi Cua, Jerome Lorico, Renz Reyes, Gabby Garcia, Thian Rodriguez, and Vania Romoff.

The designers will be sent to Milan under the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program 2025, in cooperation with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRD), the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFO), and the LIT Fashion Consultancy.

The mentorship journey began right here in Manila, where a roster of local mentors had been guiding the delegates even before they set out for Italy.

“The mentor program was designed in order to address all the important aspects of the business of fashion,” said Program Co-organizer Tetta Ortiz-Matera of LIT Fashion Consultancy. “We specifically chose mentors who really champion small brands.”