For these young Filipino designers, the fashion world is a canvas of creativity where ambition and individuality soar high. Building their brands, they prioritize sustainability and personal values, driving positive movements and inspiring hope for the future of fashion.
With their authentic personalities shining through, these designers are leading the charge toward ethical practices and embrace Filipino pride with every stitch. Their small yet mighty operations are fueled by dreams and a conscious plan to revolutionize the industry, one mindful consumer at a time.
Scroll through our list as we celebrate these young Filipino designers who are making waves on their own.
Abraham Guardian
As one of the creative minds behind the contemporary clothing lines ḢA.MÜ and müü.haa, Abraham Guardian is a perfect match for those who crave a unique fashion experience.
Abraham's specialty lies in blending maximalism and minimalism, resulting in pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. His creative process is fueled by the world around him, allowing him to create beautiful and captivating garments.
Metroscene got a taste of their brilliance when they collaborated with ḢA.MÜ for their Pride Cover. Sassa gurl, Junjun Salazrzon, and Ychan Laurenz rocked their creations, and it was a sight to behold!
Abraham takes inspiration from media and street fashion. They may not have fancy trend forecasting tools, but their keen observation skills keep them on the cutting edge.
His advice is golden: know your motivation for entering the industry and identify the problem you want to solve. Understanding your target audience is crucial, and most importantly, be brave despite the challenges of the industry.
Follow Abraham's creative journey on his account @monstrousthoughts, and while you're at it, explore his clothing lines, ḢA.MÜ and müü.haa. Prepare to be mesmerized by his extraordinary creations that blend maximalism and minimalism into a harmonious fashion masterpiece!
Khirsten Anabeza
Are you tired of blending in with the crowd? Ready to embrace your inner avant-garde spirit? Well, hold on to your chic hats because Khirsten Anabeza is about to take you on a daring fashion adventure!
With her minimalist and deconstructed tailoring, Khirsten creates garments through her "Anabeza." Khirsten's philosophy is all about embracing the beauty of irregularities, those delightful imperfections that make each piece unique. She crafts designs that break free from conventional constraints, and that's what makes her so captivating!
But don't let her nonconformity fool you; there's something about Khirsten's designs that can boost your confidence and embrace your femininity. Khirsten is also no stranger to staying updated with the ever-changing fashion landscape. It's not just about the clothes; it's about knowing her audience too. Understanding what sets her creations apart and catering to her market has given birth to her brand identity. And oh boy, it's a fierce one!
If you're curious (and you definitely should be), check out Khirsten's captivating Instagram accounts: @k.hirs__ten and @anabeza.ph. Prepare to be amazed, dazzled, and tempted to revamp your entire wardrobe!
Sean Carlo Betco
Step into the world of contemporary and conceptual fashion at BETCO Studio! Owned by the talented Sean Carlo Betco, this design haven celebrates creativity, self-expression, and uniqueness.
Sean finds inspiration in fearless women, the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, and the rich tapestry of Philippine culture. For him, fashion is an art form without boundaries, and beauty can be found everywhere. He loves seeing women embrace their bodies with confidence, and he's enamored by the flamboyance of the LGBTQIA+ community and the rich heritage of the Philippines.
Fashion is more than just glamour; it's an art that speaks to everyone. Sean's passion lies in creating something new and representing the unrepresented, making it truly beautiful.
“People think fashion is all about glamour and exclusive to a specific group of people, but fashion is art, and art is everywhere. Digging deep to draw inspiration from and create something new, especially for those unrepresented, is really beautiful to me,” he said.
At BETCO Studio, fashion merges with art, resulting in unique and trendy designs that will leave you inspired and awestruck. To aspiring designers, Sean advises thinking outside the box while bridging the gap between trends and creative vision, capturing the hearts of both industry and consumers.
So, get ready to be amazed and rocked by BETCO Studio's captivating creations. Follow @betco.studio on Instagram to stay updated on their fire and amazing designs! Get ready to embrace fashion as a form of art and self-expression like never before!
Arwin Meriales
Arwin Meriales is here to take the fashion world by storm! Hailing from Davao, this 23-year-old designer is redefining elegance with his classy and stunning creations.
But there's more to Arwin than meets the eye. He's a visionary with a heart for sustainability, using native fabrics and sustainable materials from various provinces to craft his masterpieces. His designs are a celebration of culture and the environment, making him a legend in the making.
Celebrities flock to wear his clothes, and his recent designs have graced the pages of Preen.ph and Preview Magazine. But it's not just the stars who shine in his outfits; iconic queer personalities like Mimiyuuuh, Sassagurl, and Awra Briguela rock his stunning creations too!
Arwin's creative talent is out of this world, and he's setting trends rather than following them. His message to young designers? Focus on your dreams, trust yourself, and find your unique style and market. The fashion industry in the Philippines is soaring, and there's plenty of room for new stars to shine.
So, if you're ready to be awestruck, head over to @arwin_meriales04 on Instagram and prepare to be mesmerized by his exceptional designs.
Sofia Carmela
At just 23 years old, Sofia has already made her mark by getting featured on Vogue Runway. Her designs are a celebration of huge silhouettes, especially for evening wear, showcasing her love for playing with fabric structures. Tulle and organza are her main mediums, allowing her to create authentic designs that exude femininity, sophistication, and confidence.
Staying on top of ever-changing fashion trends can be exhausting, but Sofia thrives on curiosity. She fearlessly plays with past seasons' trends, adding her own unique twist. Her designs are not just clothes; they are a reflection of deep, personal experiences shared with her audience.
For aspiring young designers, Sofia's advice is pure gold: stay curious, experiment, and find what deeply interests you. In the fast-paced fashion industry, staying relevant means constantly evolving and expressing your unique voice as an artist. Fearlessly pursue your passions, and your work will shine!
To witness the magic of Sofia Arante's delicate and sophisticated style, follow her on Instagram @sofiacarms. Get ready to be inspired and embrace your own confidence through her extraordinary designs!
Gabriel Buenabajo
Juan Gabriel's designs are a stunning fusion of traditional and experimental surface patterns like "Pukpuk," innovative draping, and silhouettes. His creations range from wearable pieces to exhibit-worthy garments, each conceptualized with a touch of voluminous, sexy, glamorous, and couture elements.
Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli has left an impact on Juan Gabriel, inspiring him to incorporate gold elements into his designs. But to add a unique Filipino twist, he beautifully incorporates our traditional art, "Pukpuk," often seen in churches and religious materials.
To young, aspiring designers, Juan Gabriel's message is both encouraging and empowering: Don't be too hard on yourself. Follow your passion, believe in yourself, and let your creativity soar. Embrace your unique voice, and the world will recognize the magic you create.
At just 23 years old, his talent knows no bounds. He is tryly a rising star in the fashion realm, and with his boundless creativity and self-belief, he's destined to leave an indelible mark on the industry. Get ready to be captivated by his conceptualized and glamorous designs that celebrate the beauty of Filipino heritage!
If you're eager to embark on a mesmerizing fashion journey, make sure to follow Juan Gabriel on Instagram @gabrielbuenabajo. Prepare to witness brilliance firsthand and get ready to be inspired like never before!
Vilrick Cruz
For Vilrick, fashion is more than just clothing; it's a form of silent narration and storytelling. As someone who finds solace in self-expression through design, he allows his creations to speak for themselves. His makeup artist mom serves as his greatest influencer, igniting his passion for artistry.
Vilrick's designs are an embodiment of Dauntless Beauty. With each piece, he aims to empower wearers to feel confident, unique, and empowered. He skillfully combines art and fashion, creating wearable art that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Fashion, for Vilrick, is deeply personal and connects people in complex ways. To aspiring young designers seeking their mark in the industry, he offers valuable advice:
Value your work and make wise choices in accepting opportunities. Fashion is not just art; it's also a business. Consider the value and potential benefits of each opportunity before making decisions.
If you want to witness Vilrick Cruz's awe-inspiring journey, follow him on Instagram @vilrickcruz and explore his shop @thehouseofvilrique. Prepare to be inspired by his Dauntless Beauty and artistic prowess!
Thea Balume
Dian Liandro
Dian Liandro's creations are a perfect blend of sophistication and boldness. As a designer, he draws inspiration from various sources, finding beauty and ideas in architecture, nature, songs, and movies. Influenced by iconic designers like Balmain and Schiaparelli, Dian finds himself captivated by Balmain's strong structured tailoring, particularly the pointy pagoda shoulders that exude timeless elegance. Schiaparelli's bold and big silhouettes leave him in awe, appreciating the craftsmanship behind each piece.
Dian's design process involves exploring the world around him, training his mind to think outside the box, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. He takes in everything that surrounds him and allows it to fuel his creativity.
His design style reflects a contrast to his outgoing and extroverted personality. Dian aims for sophistication and timelessness in his creations, showcasing a different side of himself through bold yet striking silhouettes and constructions.
If you want to be part of Dian Liandro Chua's artistic journey and witness his breathtaking designs, follow him on Instagram @dianliandro_art. Get ready to be enchanted by his fusion of sophistication and boldness, making his creations truly captivating and unforgettable.
Sophia Tempongko
Sophia Tempongko is inspired by the art of storytelling and the creative expressions of iconic artists like Vivianne Westwood, Alexander Mcqueen, and Iris Van Herpen. At 24 years old, she's already making waves in the fashion industry.
Sophia's design process begins with extracting a theme that resonates with her, and from there, she builds her collection by compiling key silhouettes, fabrics, and details into an initial moodboard. This creative foundation sets the stage for her imaginative and captivating designs.
Her design style is characterized by the use of loud colors, allowing her collections to stand out and exude vibrancy. Sophia embraces the freedom to explore different silhouettes based on the themes of her collections, giving her designs a versatile and distinctive edge.
Sophia finds inspiration in various art styles, appreciating the rich history behind each one. As a designer of this generation, she draws inspiration from the creations of her contemporaries, acknowledging the unique perspective and artistic vision of designers living in the present age.
For a glimpse into Sophia Tempongko's world of storytelling through fashion, follow her on Instagram @sophilodoxia. Prepare to be enchanted by her artistic creations that speak volumes through color, silhouette, and imaginative design.
Thea Balume
Thea Balume, who is revolutionizing fashion with her sustainable approach! In her latest collection, she took denim and plaid fabrics to new heights by upcycling them with a touch of Japanese stitching techniques called boro and sashiko. The result? Stunning patchwork details that breathe new life into these materials.
But Thea's creativity didn't stop there! To add an authentic and lived-in feel, she took a unique step by dyeing the fabrics with betadyne solution. The end result is a mesmerizing fusion of sustainable fashion and artistic ingenuity that leaves us in awe.
With Thea Balume's eco-conscious vision, she not only creates stunning pieces but also sets a powerful example for the fashion industry. By embracing sustainability and incorporating traditional craftsmanship, she showcases the endless possibilities of conscious design. Thea Balume is undoubtedly a trailblazer, and her collections inspire us all to see fashion in a greener, more meaningful light.
If you're as captivated by Thea Balume's sustainable and artistic designs as we are, make sure to follow her on Instagram @_artaia. Get ready to be inspired by her innovative creations and witness the magic of fashion with an eco-conscious twist.
