Manifesting Manhattan: Philippine Fashion Is Poised to Claim Its Global Moment

Accessories Council President Karen Giberson breaks down why New York fashion insiders are looking to the archipelago for the future of luxury craft.

The global appetite for authentic, heritage-driven design has reached a tipping point, and a new wave of tropical modernism is leading the charge. Enter FASHIONPhilippines New York—a high-stakes business incubator launching twelve Filipino brands directly onto the international trade map.

In an exclusive sit-down, Karen Giberson—President and CEO of the US-based Accessories Council—breaks down the organization’s strategic partnership with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) for the 2026 campaign. Giberson outlines how this international platform accelerates market readiness, giving the country’s most promising labels the leverage to establish an indelible footprint in the global fashion ecosystem.

From ancestral weaving techniques transformed into contemporary silhouettes to sustainable material innovation, the cohort’s twelve brands tell the story of Philippine artistry through their pieces. For Giberson, the mandate is clear: translate this raw creative pull into lasting commercial presence, opening doors across North America’s most competitive retail avenues.

Read the full interview below.

FAME+: New York is one of the most competitive fashion capitals in the world. How do you see Philippine fashion fitting into, even standing out, within the current US retail landscape?

Karen Giberson: We have been actively working with the CITEM team and this incredible group of designers for the past several months, and I continue to be impressed by what I see. There is extraordinary talent and craftsmanship, but there is also a real sense of authenticity behind these brands. Many are female-led businesses with strong points of view, a commitment to sustainability, and an incredible respect for the craft and communities behind their products.The US market is incredibly competitive, but consumers are also looking for something new. They want products with a story, they care more about how and where things are made, and they are interested in discovering brands that don't look like everything else they are already seeing. I think that creates a real opportunity for Philippine design.

These designers don't need to come to New York and try to look like American brands. What makes them interesting is exactly what makes them different—the materials, techniques, craftsmanship and perspective they bring with them. I think that is where they can really stand out.

FAME+: From a merchandising and retail standpoint, what are the biggest challenges international designers face when entering the US market, and how will this partnership bridge those gaps?

KG: Having spent much of my career in retail, I know that having a beautiful product is only the beginning. Buyers are looking at price, margins, delivery, production capabilities, consistency, packaging and whether a brand can ultimately meet the needs of the US consumer. There are also practical questions around sizing, assortment and understanding which products are going to resonate in this market. Then there is the challenge of simply getting in the room. The US market is enormous, and finding the right buyers, retailers, press and industry partners can be daunting when you're entering it for the first time. That's where I believe this partnership can make a real difference. Our role is not to change who these designers are, but to help them understand the market, make the right connections and put them in front of people who can help move their businesses forward. We've spent months getting to know the designers and their products so that when they arrive in New York, we can make those introductions as meaningful and productive as possible.

FAME+: If you could give one piece of encouraging advice to the Philippine designers as they prepare to take on New York, what would it be?

KG: Don't underestimate what you bring to the table. I've been in this industry for a long time, and I see a lot of products. What has struck me throughout this process is not only the level of talent and craftsmanship within this group, but also the warmth, determination and generosity of the people behind these businesses. Come to New York proud of where you come from and confident in what makes your work different. Listen, ask questions and be open to learning about the market—but don't lose the very things that make your brands special. New York can be intimidating, but it also loves discovery. I can't wait for people here to discover you.

Follow along their journey and witness their works at the Accessories Council Showspace in Manhattan, New York City from September 16 to 18, 2026, scheduled alongside New York Fashion Week; and in Manila FAME at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on October 15-17, 2026.

The New York leg of the program is an expansion of the successful first FASHIONPhilippines business development program in Milan in 2025.

CITEM is the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and is the organizer of Manila FAME, a home, fashion and lifestyle trade show.