For its fourth edition, the global fashion platform presents the works of Veejay Floresca, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Bessie Besana, Ram Silva, Style Ana, Farah Abu, and Pinas Sadya to the Big Apple
What began in May 2024 as a bold vision to put Filipino designers on the global stage has now blossomed into one of the most anticipated fixtures of New York Fashion Week. Filipinxt, co-founded by lawyer- entrepreneur Rob Mallari-D’Auria and designer Bessie Besana, marked a milestone this season with its fourth edition, held at 4 West 43rd Street in Manhattan.
Presented by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, the Spring-Summer 2026 showcase lived up to its promise of being the boldest yet—an immersive two-day celebration of Filipino talent, tradition, and innovation, uniting designers, artisans, media, and tastemakers in the heart of the fashion capital
A night of runway brilliance
The highlight of the event was the September 13th runway show, where a diverse lineup of Filipino designers unveiled collections that blended heritage with contemporary flair. VIPs included R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022 whom is also a Filipino-American designer as well as Mitchell Saron, Filipino-American Olympic Fencer. Mitchell wears a Bessie Besana design and was styled by Ivan Rey.
Jo Ann Bitagcol, a Filipino top model and now a visionary designer, made her international debut with gender-fluid reimaginings of the barong, terno, and camisa. Vintage Filipiniana prints danced across piña-based garments, evoking memory and rebirth.
“This is our first international show, so we want to stay true to our brand DNA and show where and how it started,” Jo Ann mused. “Our very own barong tagalog, ternos, camisa—coming back to life. It’s like the rebirth of Lolo and Lola, adapting to a new body and time.”
Project Runway Season 21 star Veejay Floresca returned with a collection of sculptural yet fluid evening wear, celebrating women in all forms. Each look embodied modern sensuality, balancing elegance with edge.
“This evening wear collection channels the spirit of diverse muses—each one inspiring a different silhouette, texture, and attitude,” Veejay said. “Designed for women who command attention, the collection redefines evening wear as both an expression of individuality and a
statement of power.”
Bessie Besana revealed a deeply personal collection shaped by his journey through hardship and healing. His gowns fused emotion and craftsmanship, resonating powerfully with the audience.
“The collection is very close to my heart. I experienced a dark time in my life toward the end of 2024, and I want to showcase my emotions through this collection,” Bessie shared. “It is both a representation of my low moments and my coming out of them.”
Ram Silva, known for his mastery of Filipiniana, paid homage to artisans in Iloilo, showcasing hablon and piña fabrics transformed into regal, contemporary silhouettes.
“Beyond creating, I am deeply committed to uplifting the artisans of my district, the Segundo Distrito of Iloilo province—honoring their craftsmanship, preserving traditional techniques, and providing them with the recognition they deserve,” Ram mused.
Farah Abu electrified the runway with her bold accessories—oversized cuffs, dramatic earrings, and statement handbags that proved jewelry can be the centerpiece of an outfit.
“I want them to see how powerful accessories can be—not just as finishing touches, but as defining elements of an outfit,” Farah explained. “They bring attention not only to the design, but also to the person wearing them. They are so much more than just ‘pretty little things.’”
Style Ana, led by Sheryl Ann Buenaventura, brought relaxed ternos and wrap skirts into the global spotlight, telling a story of growth and resilience.
“The spring-summer collection, titled ‘Growth,’ reflects not only the evolution of the brand,but also the woman behind it,” shared Sheryl. “This show is a journey—of how I started, where I am today, and the dreams I still carry for the future.”
Rounding up this year’s showcase, Pinas Sadya’s collection is a burst of joy, weaving together playful, handcrafted pieces that embody Filipino heritage with a street-smart, urban sensibility.
“The collection brings bright, bold colors, handcrafted weaves, and story-driven designs straight from Manila streets to New York City sidewalks,” Pinas Sadya’s Skeeter Labastilla-Turgut said. “Each piece is made to stand out, spark joy, and express individuality. It’s tradition meeting ambition, with all the energy and fun of Pinas Sadya.”
Beyond the runway
Running alongside the shows was the Filipinxt Marketplace, which turned 4 West 43rd into a bustling hub of Filipino design and entrepreneurship. Visitors explored exclusive collections and discovered new brands like Amor Lola, Engkantada Talyer, and Orvea Jewelry, alongside the presenting designers. The marketplace also featured panel discussions and networking sessions, offering a space where industry professionals and Filipino creatives could exchange ideas and build connections.
Food, culture, and community rounded out the experience, with Kalye NYC offering flavors of home, and collaborations with key sponsors like the Philippine Consulate General New York, Gigil New York and the New York Makeup Academy bringing added depth to the event.
“The Filipino talent is limitless,” says Rob Mallari-D’Auria. “Together as a community, we must nurture artisans and continuously introduce our crafts to the international market.
Filipinxt is proud to be the vessel of this movement.”
Indeed, the Spring-Summer 2026 edition underscored that Filipinxt is no longer just a showcase—it’s a movement. By bringing Philippine artistry into one of the world’s most influential fashion stages, it has created a space where heritage and ambition walk hand in hand.
To learn more about Filipinxt, visit its official website or follow @filipinxt on Facebook and @filipinxt.show on Instagram.
