With boundless energy and a passion for innovation, these young Filipino designers are redefining the boundaries of fashion. Building their brands, they prioritize sustainability and personal values, driving positive movements and inspiring hope for the future of fashion.
Fueled by a strong sense of purpose, these designers are revolutionizing the fashion industry. Their focus on sustainability and cultural heritage is inspiring a new era of conscious fashion.
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, 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 as we collaborated with ḢA.MÜ for our 2023 Pride Cover: Laro! with Sassa Gurl, Junjun Salazrzon, and Ychan Lauren.
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."
Khirsten Anabeza
Khirsten Anabeza’s designs might be just what you’re looking for. Known for her playful underboob tops and eye-catching bags, her minimalist and deconstructed pieces are all about embracing imperfections and celebrating individuality. It’s like a breath of fresh air in the fashion world. If you’re ready to step outside the box and try something a little different, check out her work.
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 babes, it's a fierce one!
Anabeza is quickly becoming a go-to brand, with premium influencers like Ida Anduyan, Michelle Dee, and Mimiyuuuh showcasing their designs.
Sean Carlo Betco
BETCO Studio is a sanctuary for those who dare to be different. Sean draws inspiration from fearless women, the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, and the diverse richness of Philippine culture. To him, fashion is a limitless art form, with beauty in every corner. He finds joy in watching women confidently embrace their bodies, is captivated by the flamboyant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community, and deeply values the cultural heritage of the Philippines.
Fashion goes beyond just glamour; it's an art that resonates with everyone. Sean's true passion lies in crafting something fresh and giving voice to the unrepresented, turning it into something 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.
Sean's designs are more than just clothing; they're statements. A fusion of art and fashion, each piece is a testament to his creative vision. For aspiring designers, this is his advice: Break the mold, blend trends with your unique style, and capture the hearts of both industry experts and fashion enthusiasts.
Sofia Carmela
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 simple: "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!"
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Arwin Meriales
Arwin Meriales is poised to make a major impact on the fashion scene! Hailing from Davao, this designer is elevating elegance with his sophisticated and breathtaking creations. But Arwin's talent goes beyond aesthetics. He's a visionary committed to sustainability, incorporating native fabrics and eco-friendly materials from various provinces into his work. His designs celebrate both culture and the environment, marking him as a future icon in the fashion world.
A rising star in the fashion world, his designs are being sought after by celebrities and prominent queer personalities. Mimiyuuuh, Sassagurl, and Awra Briguela are just a few of the influential figures who have been spotted in his creations.
