New York has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier fashion capitals. Home to some of the world's top brands and designers, the city is a melting pot brimming with a bustling mix of tastemakers and influential personalities in fashion.
Outside of Paris and Milan, New York holds its place as part of the revered “big three” on the global fashion calendar. Each season, the industry’s most prominent figures flock to the Big Apple to experience a packed schedule of runway shows from some of the most celebrated names in the business. Think Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Sandy Liang— just to name a few. With every presentation, fashion insiders are treated to an exclusive preview of these labels’ newest collections, keeping a sharp eye on emerging trends and fresh talent.
This Fall-Winter 2025 season, a group of Filipino designers took their place alongside these international frontrunners. On February 8, on the third day of NYFW, FILIPINXT made its groundbreaking debut on the official New York Fashion Week calendar, marking a historic milestone for Filipino fashion on the world stage.
LOOK: FILIPINXT Stages Its First Showcase as Part of the Official New York Fashion Week Calendar
Since its founding in March 2024, FILIPINXT has steadily gained momentum in New York, having staged three showcases in less than a year. Following its debut in May and a Spring/Summer 2025 showcase in September, the organization returned this Fall/Winter 2025 season with five Filipino designers in the lineup: Bessie Besana, Jasmine Baac of Bagoyan, Leo Bartolome and Adante Leyesa of Edited Limited, and Gabby Garcia of Tagpi. Their collections spotlighted each of their unique take on contemporary formalwear, realized through a harmony of modern silhouettes, Filipino textiles, intricate embellishments, and local handcrafting techniques.
In an official statement, FILIPINXT co-founder and COO Bessie Besana shared his excitement over the organization’s milestone achievement. “This show is a dream realized not just for us at FILIPINXT but for every Filipino designer and creative who dares to break boundaries,” he expressed. “We are honored to share our culture, heritage, and artistry on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion stages.”
Marketing and Operations Director Richard Estrella echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the group’s inclusion in the global fashion circuit. “Being part of New York Fashion Week represents an unparalleled opportunity for Filipino designers to showcase their world-class talent,” he stated.
Apart from the runway show, FILIPINXT’s Fall/Winter 2025 presentation featured a trunk show hosted by Hwangs Inc., where attendees had an exclusive chance to purchase pieces from participating designers and partners.
About FILIPINXT
FILIPINXT is a Filipino-led fashion collective based in New York. First established in March 2024 by designers Rob Mallari-D’Auria and Bessie Besana, the organization is anchored on a mission to bridge Filipino talent to the global stage. Since its inception, FILIPINXT has hosted three showcases in New York, each featuring a diverse roster of Filipino designers. Its inaugural presentation took place in May 2024, followed by a sophomore showcase during the Spring/Summer 2024 season in September.
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