FILIPINXT just set NYFW on fire, proving that Filipino fashion is more than a trend—it’s a global force. Blending heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation, this season’s showcase wasn’t just a runway; it was a revolution. Featuring Bessie Besana, Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa, Bagoyan, and Tagpi, the event celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, seamlessly woven into modern, high-fashion designs.
A Taste of the Philippines: The VIP Dinner
The excitement kicked off the night before on February 7th with an intimate VIP dinner at Kalye NYC, where media, influencers, and designers gathered for a taste of the Philippines. The menu included a decadent three-course meal of authentic Filipino cuisine featuring Chicken Satti with peanut sauce, Uni Palabok, Tuna Kinilaw, and Sisig Puri, curated by Chef Vance and paired with expertly crafted cocktails. Designers enlightened the guests by sharing their journeys—transforming their 2023 dreams into 2025 reality and officially claiming their spot on the official NYFW.com calendar. The energy was electric, setting the perfect tone for what was to come.
FILIPINXT VIP Dinner, photos courtesy of Alieah McGraw.
The Main Event: FILIPINXT at NYFW
On February 8th, FILIPINXT made history at New York Fashion Week, solidifying its place in the global fashion scene. Held at a stunning venue nestled amidst the city’s iconic streets, the space was packed with a crowd buzzing with anticipation. The audience included high-profile tastemakers, influencers, and fashion lovers who were all captivated by the beautiful fusion of Filipino tradition and high fashion that graced the runway. This landmark event was proudly presented by The Philippine Consulate in New York and Kalye NYC, with partners Hwangs Inc, New York Makeup Academy, Angkla Resort, and Travel Warehouse Inc.
Designer Highlights:
Bessie Besana: "Rays of Twilight"
Bessie Besana: "Rays of Twilight" Collection, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
Bessie Besana delivered a vision of romance and sophistication with "Rays of Twilight," an ethereal bridal-meets-evening wear collection that flowed like poetry down the runway. Delicate Chantilly lace, silk, and tulle draped effortlessly, celebrating love in all its forms.
Bessie Besana, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
"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."
Gabby Garcia/Tagpi: "Tahak"
Tagpi: "Tahak" Collection, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
Meanwhile, Gabby Garcia’s "Tahak" married Filipino heritage with city-ready style, proving that sustainability and high fashion are a match made in design heaven. Handwoven fabrics, tweed, wool, and crochet reflected the journey of the Filipino creative—rooted in tradition but constantly evolving. The collection's color palette of blues and whites mirrored the natural beauty of the islands.
Gabby Garcia of Tagpi, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
"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."
Jasmine Baac: "Bagoyan Rising"
Bagoyan: "Bagoyan Rising"collection, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
Jasmine Baac’s "Bagoyan Rising" honored her Kalinga heritage, bringing bold, earthy textiles and indigenous craftsmanship into the contemporary spotlight. Her collection spoke of resilience, power, and pride, each piece a tribute to the artistry of her ancestors. Featuring intricate handwoven Kalinga fabrics, pure linen, and Italian cotton in a bold, earthy palette of red, terracotta, black, and blue, the designs made a powerful statement about empowerment and cultural preservation.
Jasmine Baac, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
"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."
Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa: "Tough Love"
Edited Limited + Adante Leyesa: "Tough Love"collection, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
The collaboration between Leo Bartolome of Edited Limited and Adante Leyesa brought forth "Tough Love"—a thrilling collision of streetwear and statement accessories. Deconstructed edges met intricate embellishments, creating a rebellious yet refined aesthetic that felt both raw and luxurious.
Leo Bartolome and Adante Leyesa, courtesy of FILIPINXT.
"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, handcrafted statement pieces added depth and personality to the collection, with tactile fabrics and 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 Impact of FILIPINXT
The models, effortlessly captivating, were just as integral to the story as the garments they wore. They embodied the spirit of the collection—bold, strong, and unapologetically beautiful. As the final moments of the show unfolded, the designers took their bows to thunderous applause. The energy in the room was electric, filled with a deep reverence for the artistry and craftsmanship that had been showcased. These bows were not just gestures of gratitude; they were symbols of pride and recognition of the immense talent that had graced the runway.
FILIPINXT: More Than a Fashion Platform
FILIPINXT isn’t just about clothes—it’s about culture, identity, and taking up space unapologetically. Founded by visionary lawyer-entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria and acclaimed fashion designer Bessie Besana, FILIPINXT is rewriting the narrative of Filipino fashion 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.
The message? The Philippines isn’t coming—it has arrived. And the world is finally paying attention.
For more, visit www.filipinxt.com or follow @Filipinxt.show.
Comentarios