FASHIONPhilippines Milan brought local designers and artisanal textiles to the global stage, fusing heritage with modern luxury.
The recently concluded Milan Fashion Week generated plenty of buzz, delivering a series of surprises from Louise Trotter’s successful debut show for Bottega Veneta to Demna’s Gucci presentation. Philippine fashion also made its mark amid the bustling streets of Milan. At Fondazione Sozzani, a select group of Filipino designers had the opportunity to present their collections to the Milanese audience.
FASHIONPhilippines made its debut, marking the first solo exhibition for the country at the annual week-long fashion event. The showcase featured 11 Filipino designers presenting innovative, heritage-rich collections that incorporated Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT), crafted from sustainable fibers like abaca, banana, pineapple, and bamboo. The designers also received mentorship from renowned Italian fashion figures, including Carlo Capasa and Carla Sozzani.
In an exclusive interview with Lifestyle Asia, designers Steffi Cua of Idylic Summers and Gabby Garcia of Tagpi shared their unique experiences in Milan. They delved into their insights, lessons learned from their mentor, and their most cherished memories from the trip.
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What did it mean to you to present your collection in Milan?
Steffi: Immense pride. My partner artisans and artists travelled with me through the garments. Hearing Carla Sozzani say “Brava! Brava!” felt like an affirmation that our work had reached the right audience.
Gabby: It was such an honor to be able to share what Filipino craftsmanship is and what it can be on a global stage. More than just presenting my brand, it felt like I was carrying a piece of our culture with me. It was a moment of pride not just for my work, but for what we, as Filipinos, can offer to the world through design and storytelling.
Biggest secret or lesson you learned from your mentor?
Steffi: Sara Maino said something that’s stayed with me: “You have to make choices, and it requires taking risks—but we are always respected for our choices.”
Gabby: For me, the biggest lesson was the importance of staying consistent and really leaning into your strengths as a creative. In the Philippines, I believe many of us in the fashion industry tend to take a very localized approach, which can sometimes cause us to forget that what we have is truly special. We often overlook our strengths or try to conform to international standards when, in reality, people around the world are genuinely excited to see the stories, heritage, and culture we have to offer. The mentorship really opened my eyes to that.
Best Milan memory outside the programme—food, sights, or shopping?
Steffi: This cohort of designers was such a blast to be with! We spent afternoons at museums like Fondazione Prada, shared long lunches and Aperol Spritzs at Bar Jamaica, hunted for Phoebe Philo at 10 Corso Como, and had post-work conversations that stretched late into the night at Jerome Lorico’s flat.
Gabby: It’s hard to choose, but one of my most memorable moments was visiting Crema, a charming town in northern Italy. It was extra special because I got to see where scenes from my favorite film, Call Me By Your Name, were shot. Wandering through those beautiful streets felt like stepping into the movie itself. Aside from that, I also loved exploring Brera on quiet afternoons, sipping espresso and soaking in the art and architecture, maybe losing track of time in a vintage shop or two!
All photos courtesy of Steffi Cua and Gabby Garcia
