From Manila to Manhattan: FASHIONPhilippines Launches New York Business Development Track
The international business development and showcase program is set to elevate the country's fashion landscape and expand opportunities in the United States.
By Aly Dela Peña
Twelve (12) accessory brands from the Philippines are setting their sights on New York City. Through FASHIONPhilippines New York 2026, an international business development and showcase program, they are set to elevate the country's fashion landscape and expand opportunities in the United States.
A diverse selection of products such as handbags, accessories, footwear, and jewelry will undergo intensive business incubation, product development, and market exposure for Philippine companies to enhance their global competitiveness. The participating brands include Aishe Fashion, Anmari & Co., Aranaz, Bags in the City, Beatriz, Chris Gomez, Ely Knows, Floreia, Golden Monstera, Larone, Mele + Marie, and Olly + Fely.
The program is organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s export promotion arm, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with the US Accessories Council, recognized as the leading network and trusted voice within the $137 billion annual American fashion accessories industry.
As CITEM’s strategic banner program for the fashion industry, FASHIONPhilippines is launching two simultaneous business development tracks—not just in New York, but also in Milan. Anchored by the success of its inaugural 2025 Milan mentorship blueprint, this dual-market activation introduces elite Filipino design and craftsmanship to the world's premier retail capitals.
Ahead of their NY journey, the companies are undertaking intensive business and product development sessions. Covering everything from the retail landscape and pricing to packaging and storytelling, industry leaders from renowned organizations will guide exhibitors through the ins and outs of the global fashion world:
- Karen Giberson, President and CEO of the Accessories Council
- Beth Goldstein, Industry Analyst of Circana
- Patricia Leto, SVP and GMM of the Doneger Group
- Lisa Metcalf, CEO of Ten Yards Network
- Vanessa Urenda, a Chief Omni Channel Officer of Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus
- Roman Ramirez of BluSpark
- Andrew Rotondi of Dynamic Worldwide; and
- Frances Cole Jones, a Top-tier communication strategist
The program will culminate in a trade showcase from September 16 to 18, 2026 at the Accessories Council Showspace in Manhattan, New York City, scheduled alongside New York Fashion Week; and concurrently in Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on October 15-17, 2026. The brands will present a curated selection of their Philippine-made products, highlighting the country’s distinctive design perspective, exceptional craftsmanship, and manufacturing capabilities.
“FASHIONPhilippines - New York creates meaningful pathways for Philippine fashion accessories enterprises to succeed in the US market. Through the program, we are not only showcasing exceptional Filipino craftsmanship, but also equipping our companies with the knowledge, industry connections, and market exposure they need in order to thrive,“ said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “This initiative presents a valuable opportunity for them to expand their reach and establish long-term business relationships in a highly competitive US market.”
As the US remains to be the world’s largest market for fashion accessories, FASHIONPhilippines New York 2026 offers a significant platform for brands to build international partnerships, expand market access, and strengthen the global presence of Philippine fashion. In 2023, the Philippines exported approximately $449 million worth of apparel and clothing accessories to the United States, according to Statista.
From the heritage artisans of Manila to the grand showcase in Manhattan, the journey of Philippine design enters a new era. The New York program opens doors to the world’s largest accessories market and invites global tastemakers to discover the soul of the country through tasteful and meaningful wearable art pieces.
Learn more about the FASHIONPhilippines New York business development program at https://fameplus.com/trade_fairs/fashionphilippines-in-new-york-2026.
