FASHIONPhilippines Milan 2026 Applications Now Open

Following the success of its debut at Fondazione Sozzani, a new cohort will join returning brands as they expand their presence on the international stage.

Following a historic debut during Milan Fashion Week last year, FASHIONPhilippines Milan returns for 2026. Led by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), the program is once again opening applications to Filipino designers ready to expand beyond the local market.

Bright fashion expo hall with clothing racks, jewelry displays on marble tables, and mannequins under industrial lighting; 'Fashion Philippines' signage on white walls.

The FASHIONPhilippines in Milan exhibition at Fondazione Sozzani last September 2025. Courtesy of FASHIONPhilippines

Under the direction of Sara Sozzani Maino and Teresa “Tetta” Ortiz-Matera, last year’s mentors included Riccardo Grassia, Silvia Bertocchi, Riccardo Terzo, Niccolò Paqualetti, Rylé Tuvierra, Giulia Demitri, and Helena Boissonnas, who guided the finalists through a series of portfolio reviews, one-to-one consultations, and developing a new body of work that integrates Filipino textiles along the way.

Stacks of folded woven blankets in neutral and pastel colors on a display table in a shop showroom.

The Filipino Innovation Textiles (FIT), developed by DOST-PTRI, showcased during the 2025 exhibition. Courtesy of FASHIONPhilippines

This year’s participants in the 2026 edition will experience an expanded and enhanced program, bridging the gap between education and industry, designed to further support local designers on the international stage. This includes a larger exhibition space, a stronger European market presence, a sharper focus on export readiness, and sustained international visibility. As Sozzani Maino has emphasized to Vogue Philippines, her focus has always been on “responsibility in all its forms,” supporting designers who are not only market-driven but also cultural ambassadors for Filipino craft and identity.

Applications for the FASHIONPhilippines Milan 2026 program are open until April 26, 2026. Requirements for submission include a brand profile, line sheets with USD price points, a lookbook for the last two collections, and a completed Brand and Business Assessment Form.