Nextgen Filipino designers wanted for Milan mentorship program

By Aly Dela Peña

As part of its thrust to promote the country’s fashion industry, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) partners with the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), LIT Fashion Consultancy, and the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) to give local fashion designers an opportunity to undergo training and earn global recognition in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Set to run from June to September 2025, the FASHIONPhilippines Milan Mentorship Program is open to Filipino designers with a legitimate and registered business in the Philippines for at least two years, and who have produced at least two collections in the past two years with 15-20 designs.

They must submit their profiles, line sheets, catalogue, and BIR registration to apply. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to showcase their collections during Milan Fashion Week and gain valuable insights from top international fashion experts.

The program serves as a platform for selected designers to enter the global fashion arena through exposure to the European market, networking with key industry figures, and connecting with international buyers and institutions.

Adding to the prestige of the CITEM-led program is the tapping of eight international mentors who are notable figures in the global fashion industry. 

Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of Fondazione Sozzani, is leading the team of established professionals who are in charge of mentoring successful applicants to the program. Joining Maino are Riccardo Grassi, RG showroom founder and Studio Zeta co-founder; Riccardo Terzo, Vogue Italia Fashion Editor and Contributor; Niccolò Pasqualetti, Fashion designer and Franca Sozzani Awardee; Silvia Bertocchi, Fondazione Sozzani Head of Cultural Programs; Ryle Tuvierra, Fashion and Digital Creator; Giulia Demitri, Gaudenzi Boutique-Milan fashion buyer and visual merchandiser; and Helena Boissonnas, Le Bon Marche-Paris (LVMH) curator.

Also on FAME+: From Manila to Milan

Firsthand mentorship from international opinion leaders

For Maino, investing in a new generation of designers is crucial in the world of fashion. She shared, in an exclusive interview with the FAME+ team, what she looks for when scouting next-gen designers.

Foremost among many, strong storytelling abilities will set a designer apart, according to the seasoned designer. It allows consumers not only to buy, but also to experience a product. To her, fashion should go beyond selling clothes–it’s a special mix of talent, social responsibility, and creating a strong narrative. She underscored the importance of sustainability to navigate the complexities of international markets.

“Asian countries have a lot of history–there is potential. And they need more support as there are a lot of unseen yet talented designers,” said Maino. “Investing in the next wave of creative talent ultimately shapes the future of fashion.”

When asked about her motivation in scouting for new creatives, Maino said that it always draws back to her passion. She also shared that they plan to expand the program to other countries to create new opportunities for emerging designers worldwide.

CITEM’s efforts in maintaining European market access

Early this year, CITEM successfully participated in two European trade shows: Maison et Objet in Paris, held on January 16-20, 2025, and Ambiente in Germany, held on February 7-11. These participations further propel Filipino craftsmanship excellence in the region.

Both efforts brought 84 local enterprises and visual artists to the European market. Ambiente garnered US$4.5 million in sales while Maison et Objet earned $1.9 million.

“The country is gaining notable attention from the region,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo. “With the FASHIONPhilippines mentorship program, we are expanding our presence to market segments beyond furnishings. This puts us at an advantage–a momentum the agency aims to sustain.”

CITEM is at the forefront of FASHIONPhilippines, the collective brand representing select Filipino fashion products for the international market. It promotes handmade, artisanal pieces such as accessories, apparel, bags, and footwear at premier trade shows and business-to-business platforms globally.

CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, also organizes the annual design trade show Manila FAME. It is set to hold its next edition on October 16-18, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila. 

Applications for the FASHIONPhilippines in Milan are open until June 13, 2025. For more information about the program, click here.