Julia Christine Botin

Manila Fashion Week 2025 brings together global fashion forces

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><br/></div><div> <img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750032276378image0 (2).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) 2025 took the assignment very seriously, bringing together powerhouse designers, cultural ambassadors, and fashion influencers from not only the Philippines, but also the United States, United Kingdom, Laos, Malaysia, Japan, and Russia.</p><p>While showcasing Pinoy fabrics and designs, MIFW founder Bench Bello felt it was also important to allow fashion allies from other countries to collaborate, discuss fashion and culture, and support each other&#x27;s goals.</p><p>“It is no longer just about the clothes. It is also about the message. Fashion should represent culture and tell stories. We created MIFW to provide a platform for all designers to meet global cultural ambassadors,” he told ABS-CBN News. </p><p>“This season was a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and collaboration. Thank you to everyone who made MIFW 2025 a success from the designers and models to our sponsors, staff, volunteers, and international delegates,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750032330737image1 (1).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The delegates were warmly welcomed by the Pinoy team at the Okada Manila, where fashion segments, live musical performances, and a diverse runway lineup took place, featuring fashion icon Renee Salud, who paid respect to Filipino heritage and craftsmanship.</p><p>Puan Aspekraf Irna of Indonesia, Dr. Kenny Loh of Malaysia, and Kongthong Nanthavongdouangsy of Laos provided important creative collaboration from the ASEAN region, making it a cultural highlight. </p><p>The event was also attended by H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay (Ambassador of Laos to the Philippines), H.E. Dato Abdul Malil Melvin Castelino (Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines), and a representative from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, all of whom expressed full diplomatic support for their respective national designers and celebrated cultural diplomacy through fashion.</p><p>Some of the event&#x27;s sidelights included the kids and teens segment, which showed young talents and fashionable collections that reflected the joyful spirit of youth, as well as the Bello Vibes, Jayson Cuaycong, and Pablo Mendez ensembles.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750032349560image2.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>International designers also took the stage to show off their fashion pieces that reflected their cultures. They were: Zalina by Rye, Emily Sy, Jacqueline Duenas, Lili Couture, Marjorie Renner, Elmalyn Couture, Jamila Couture, Steadfast Couture, High Status Co, Lynette Couture, iRoseDoll Couture, Kongthong Nanthavongdouangsy, Marjorie Kobayashi, and Elena Murzina.</p><p>The MIFW founder also revealed that their next event will be held on November 30, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.</p><p>“It was an uplifting experience for everyone, particularly Filipino designers who had the opportunity to participate and meet global fashion forces. Our group also strives for fashion innovation while being true to the Filipino heritage,” Bello said. </p>

<p>While showcasing Pinoy fabrics and designs, MIFW founder Bench Bello felt it was also important to allow fashion allies from other countries to collaborate, discuss fashion and culture, and support each other's goals.</p>

While showcasing Pinoy fabrics and designs, MIFW founder Bench Bello felt it was also important to allow fashion allies from other countries to collaborate, discuss fashion and culture, and support each other's goals.