Vlad Bunoan

Bangsamoro designers showcase collections. Photos by Edison Sia and Rey Cuerdo

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785460515457image0 (2).jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Bangsamoro designers showcase collections. Photos by Edison Sia and Rey Cuerdo</div>MANILA — Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) made a cultural statement during its seventh season at Okada Manila by spotlighting Bangsamoro designers, who brought the region&#x27;s traditional textiles and contemporary modest fashion to the runway as part of the &quot;Experience BARMM&quot; showcase.The event, held at Okada Manila on June 12 under the theme &quot;Bridging Nations Through Fashion,&quot; brought together designers, models and creatives from the Philippines and abroad for the conclusion of MIFW&#x27;s seventh season.This year&#x27;s event, which brought together designers and representatives from the Philippines, Russia, the US, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), demonstrated the transformational potential of fashion as a universal language. MIFW promoted significant international collaborations and artistic exchange while celebrating cultural identity in each runway show.&quot;Experience BARMM,&quot; which was organized by the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), was one of the show&#x27;s most inspirational highlights. Through the prism of modern modest fashion, the special segment highlighted the rich heritage of the Bangsamoro region.Bangsamoro designers LAYALLAH by Sittie Guijada Anwar, Israel Ungkakay, Muammar H. Appao, Maverick Francisco Oyao, and Mir Tawasil showcased outstanding collections on the runway that transformed traditional textiles into sophisticated contemporary designs. Their collections displayed how indigenous craftsmanship can flourish in today&#x27;s global fashion industry by showcasing the timeless beauty of the Inaul of Maguindanao, Tennun of Basilan, Pis Syabit of Sulu, and Tepo of Tawi-Tawi.More than a fashion presentation, &quot;Experience BARMM&quot; served as a powerful cultural statement. It honored the dedication of Bangsamoro weavers and artisans, promoted local creative industries, encouraged cultural preservation, and emphasized sustainable livelihood opportunities through fashion and textile development.Jonard Braga (Philippines), Irna Juita (Indonesia), Merlie Dobrow / Menesia (USA), Status by HSC (Philippines/USA), Emily Sy (USA), Elena Murzina (Russia), High Status Co. – New York (Philippines/USA), Jay-r Gamboa Flores (Philippines), Bench Bello (Philippines), Che Ituriaga (Philippines/Malaysia), Nikolay Nidodirov (Russia), Marjorie Kobayashi (Philippines/Japan), Mikee Andrei (Philippines), and Mimi Barnett (Philippines/USA) were among the diverse group of designers that participated in the international runway presentations.Every collection showcased the distinct narratives and imaginative viewpoints influencing the current global fashion scene, from couture and evening wear to sustainable fashion, high-end streetwear, cultural clothing, and modern tailoring.Young Faces to Watch Cycle 7, which highlighted the upcoming generation of fashion talent, kicked off the day. International designers such as Emily Sy (USA), Jay-r Gamboa Flores (Philippines), Bello Vibes Collections (Philippines), Elena Murzina (Russia), Pamela Lomibao (Philippines), and Karolina Yakovenko (Russia) showcased emerging models on the runway. A captivating live performance by Russian artist Ekaterina Adamaitis further elevated the segment and demonstrated the event&#x27;s dedication to artistic and cultural collaboration.The official modeling competition MIFW The Model Search 2026 added to the excitement. Under the theme &quot;Your Platform. Your Power. Your Runway,&quot; the competition gave professional and aspiring models a stage on which to display their skills in front of industry professionals. The segment, which was presented by Xpress and Well Hair, represented MIFW&#x27;s continuous goal of identifying and developing the next generation of fashion ambassadors.The Content Creators Runway Challenge gave the program a new digital twist by showcasing how social media continues to influence and magnify the global fashion industry through influencers and creators in fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle.The Fashion For All segment reaffirmed MIFW&#x27;s support of self-expression, sustainability, and inclusivity. Fashion designers Jason Tanjuakio, Pamela Lomibao, Mary Grace Balacdao Lee, Precious Jewel Dimaculangan, Studio JMX/Kuture ni Jean, and the MIFW Style Collective showcased collections that embraced diversity.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785460591597image1.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Designers gather for Manila International Fashion Week Season 7. Photos by Edison Sia and Rey Cuerdo</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785460607057image2.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Designers gather for Manila International Fashion Week Season 7. Photos by Edison Sia and Rey Cuerdo</div>&quot;Season 7 is a testament to what fashion can accomplish beyond the runway. It has the power to unite cultures, create opportunities, build friendships, and inspire future generations. We are deeply grateful to our international delegates, designers, sponsors, partners, media, volunteers, and every individual who believed in our vision. Together, we proved once again that fashion knows no borders,” said MIFW founder Bench Bello.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785460747978image3.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>MIFW founder Bench Bello appears on the runway. Photo by Edison Sia and Rey Cuerdo</div>Preparations for Season 8: Fashion Beyond Borders, which is set for November 29, at Elan by the Bay and promises an even bigger worldwide celebration of fashion, culture, innovation, and tourism, are already under way as MIFW continues to broaden its global reach.

Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) made a cultural statement during its seventh season at Okada Manila by spotlighting Bangsamoro designers, who brought the region's traditional textiles and contemporary modest fashion to the runway as part of the "Experience BARMM" showcase.

Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) made a cultural statement during its seventh season at Okada Manila by spotlighting Bangsamoro designers, who brought the region's traditional textiles and contemporary modest fashion to the runway as part of the "Experience BARMM" showcase.

MIFW Season 7 makes cultural statement with Bangsamoro designers on runway

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MIFW Season 7 makes cultural statement with Bangsamoro designers on runway

Josh Mercado

Published July 31, 2026 12:15 PM PHT

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MIFW

Bangsamoro designers

fashion

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