FILIPINXT made a bold statement at New York Fashion Week, delivering a groundbreaking celebration of Filipino creativity, craftsmanship, and culture.
This season’s show, which took place in the heart of New York City, marked a historic moment for the Philippines in the global fashion spotlight as a part of the official NYFW.com line up, featuring Bessie Besana, Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa, Bagoyan, and Tagpi— standout designers who fused tradition with modernity in their highly anticipated collections.
The event was an extraordinary fusion of heritage, sustainability, and innovation, as the designers not only showcased their individual styles but also honored their Filipino roots. The show, which garnered attention from top fashion insiders and global influencers, proved that Filipino fashion is not just a regional movement but one that is ready to compete on the world stage.
This season, FILIPINXT was presented by The Philippine Consulate in New York & Kalye NYC with partners Hwangs Inc, New York Makeup Academy, Angkla Resort and Travel Warehouse Inc.
Bessie Besana: “Rays of Twilight” | @bessiebesana
Bessie Besana’s collection, “Rays of Twilight,” delivered a breathtaking spectacle that captivated the audience with its romance and sophistication. Known for his expertise in formal and bridal wear, Besana’s collection radiated elegance, featuring delicate Chantilly lace, silk, and tulle in serene whites and nudes.
“The woman I envision wearing these pieces celebrates love in all its forms,” said Besana. “I want her to feel her best, whether she’s in an intimate garden or on a quiet beach, embracing the love she has.”
The collection was a perfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary style, with clean lines and innovative cuts that enhanced the natural beauty of the wearer.
Tagpi: “Tahak” | @pinagtagpi
Gabby Garcia of Tagpi brought an innovative twist to the NYFW runway with “Tahak,” which beautifully bridged the vibrant, tropical landscape of the Philippines with the cosmopolitan energy of New York City. As one of the youngest designers at the event, Garcia’s work showcased his commitment to Filipino culture and sustainability through high-quality, handwoven fabrics and intricate designs.
“Tahak represents a journey—where the lushness of the Philippines meets the sophistication of city life,” Garcia explained. “I wanted to create a collection that not only celebrates our culture but also speaks to the modern, global traveler.”
Using handwoven fabrics, tweed, wool, and crochet from the Philippines, Garcia’s collection was both visually striking and highly wearable. The color palette of blues and whites reflected the natural beauty of the islands, while the mix of structured and fluid silhouettes offered versatility for the modern, on-the-go individual.
“Tahak is about staying connected to our roots while embracing the future,” Garcia shared. “Fashion, for me, is a tool for celebrating our heritage and contributing to nation-building.”
Bagoyan: “Bagoyan Rising” | @bagoyan_
Jasmine Baac presented “Bagoyan Rising”, a stunning tribute to the strength and resilience of Kalinga heritage. Baac, who hails from the Kalinga province, used her collection to honor her indigenous roots while embracing the future with modern, wearable designs.
“Through Bagoyan Rising, I want the world to see how our heritage can transcend boundaries,” said Baac. “This collection celebrates the artistry and power of Kalinga weaves, blending the traditional with the contemporary.”
The collection featured intricate handwoven Kalinga fabrics, pure linen, and Italian cotton in a bold, earthy color palette of red, terracotta, black, and blue. The result was a collection that not only highlighted the skill of Filipino artisans but also made a powerful statement about empowerment, heritage, and pride. Baac’s designs resonated deeply with the audience, embodying the spirit of Kalinga culture in each modern silhouette.
Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa: “Tough Love” | @edited_limited + @adanteleyesa
The collaboration between Leo Bartolome of Edited Limited and Adante Leyesa was one of the standout moments of FILIPINXT. Their collection, “Tough Love,” was a masterful exploration of contrast—where Bartolome’s bold streetwear with raw, deconstructed edges met Leyesa’s intricate and feminine accessories.
“I’ve learned to embrace my weaknesses as a designer,” shared Bartolome. “Working with limitations pushed me to innovate and create pieces that are not only high-quality but also meaningful.”
Leyesa’s intricate, hand-crafted statement pieces added depth and personality to the collection, with tactile fabrics and intricate embellishments that spoke to his passion for storytelling through design. “For me, fashion is more than just clothing; it’s art,” said Leyesa. “I want my pieces to be recognized not just as fashion, but as an emotional experience.”
The resulting collection was one of versatile, unfiltered, and striking separates—perfect for those who appreciate both high fashion and practicality.
About FILIPINXT
FILIPINXT was founded by visionary lawyer-entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria and acclaimed fashion designer Bessie Besana with a shared mission: to elevate the vibrant spirit and boundless creativity of the Filipino people on a global scale. More than just a fashion platform, FILIPINXT is a bold movement that celebrates the pride, passion, and innovative spirit of Filipino culture, bringing it to one of the world’s most prestigious fashion capitals—New York City.
With a commitment to showcasing the diverse talent and ingenuity of Filipino designers, FILIPINXT has quickly become a recognized force in the global fashion scene. The platform highlights the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Filipino artistry, creating space for these talented designers to shine on the international stage.
For more information about FILIPINXT or to view the collections, visit www.filipinxt.com or follow @Filipinxt.show on social media.
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