Photographed by Alexis Dave Co, courtesy of Rajo Laurel
Manila welcomes designers from across Asia for five days of collections, conversations, and a look at the future of Asian fashion.
After a month-long run of shows, the four major fashion capitals have finally concluded their fashion weeks for the season. And you might be wondering: Talents and ideas from Asia have long been making waves in the industry, but when will the region have its own fashion weekFashion WeekA series of seasonal events where designers debut their latest collections, setting the tone for upcoming fashion trends and showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across the global fashion industry.Go to Fashion Week Glossary? Well, here it is. For the first time, Fashion Week Asia (FWA) debuts in Manila to bring together the creative voices shaping the region.
Organized by AGC Power Holdings Corp., FWA aims to bring the region’s creative talent and industry leaders together under one roof. Here’s what to know about its inaugural Manila edition.
When and where is Fashion Week Asia taking place?
Fashion Week Asia will run from October 20 to 24, bringing five days of fashion presentations and industry conversations to Manila. The event will feature four main components: The Runway Shows, The Resee, the Fashion Forward Asia Forum, and The Gala. The runway shows will take place at Palacio de Memoria, while the culminating gala show will be at Marriott Manila in Newport Resorts Manila. The resees and fora will all be held at MGBX at the Manila Marriott Hotel.
Which designers will be showing at Fashion Week Asia?
Designers from across Asia will come together for the runwayRunwayThe platform or catwalk on which models present a designer's collection to an audience of editors, buyers, and guests. Runway shows establish the creative statement of a season, and Vogue'sGo to Runway Glossary shows, offering a glimpse into the different perspectives and creative approaches shaping fashion in the region. The lineup includes Plazä of Malaysia, Duc Studio and Kilomet109 of Vietnam, Toton of Indonesia, Bajuyo of South Korea, Ponder.er of Hong Kong, Sophie Hong of Taiwan, and Wisharawish of Thailand.
Representing the Philippines are Kelvin Morales, Rosanna Ocampo, Maligaya, and Novél, bringing local design into the wider regional conversation. The galaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary show will feature Rajo Laurel.
What is the Re-See?
For those who want a closer look at the collections beyond their runwayRunwayThe platform or catwalk on which models present a designer's collection to an audience of editors, buyers, and guests. Runway shows establish the creative statement of a season, and Vogue'sGo to Runway Glossary presentations, the re-see will offer an opportunity to examine the designs up close. Buyers, media, and guests can also meet the designers and learn more about the ideas and perspectives behind their work.
What is the Fashion Forward Asia Forum?
Fashion WeekFashion WeekA series of seasonal events where designers debut their latest collections, setting the tone for upcoming fashion trends and showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across the global fashion industry.Go to Fashion Week Glossary Asia will also make room for conversations about the industry’s present and future through Fashion Forward Asia, a full day of forums featuring creative and industry leaders.
The discussions will explore a range of topics, from “The Creative Code” and “Making It Work” to “The Material Revolution,” “Access: Fashion WeekFashion WeekA series of seasonal events where designers debut their latest collections, setting the tone for upcoming fashion trends and showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across the global fashion industry.Go to Fashion Week Glossary,” and “Fashion as a Voice.” Together, these conversations will examine the challenges and opportunities facing Asian fashion and consider how the industry can continue to evolve.
What brand will close Fashion Week Asia?
Filipino designer Rajo Laurel will take center stage at the galaGalaA formal fundraising or celebratory event known for black-tie dress, high-fashion red-carpet looks, and elaborate dinners. Galas let designers dress public figures in statement gowns and tuxedos, and they oftenGo to Gala Glossary, the event’s closing presentation. His showcase, The Collection: Archivo, will revisit his archive and reflect on 33 years of creative work, offering a look back at the designs and ideas that have shaped his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fashion Week Asia is a five-day event in Manila running from October 20 to 24 that gathers designers and industry leaders to showcase the future of Asian fashion. It is spearheaded by AGC Power Holdings Corp.
Fashion Week Asia includes runway shows, an up-close collection preview, a full day of industry talks at the Fashion Forward Asia Forum, and a closing gala.
You’ll see work from Plazä (Malaysia), Duc Studio and Kilomet19 (Vietnam), Toton (Indonesia), Bajuyo (South Korea), Ponder.er (Hong Kong) and Sophie Hong (Taiwan), and Wisharawish (Thailand).
Filipino designers Kelvin Morales, Rosanna Ocampo, Maligaya, and Novél are hitting the runway for the host country, and Rajo Laurel for the gala.
Filipino designer Rajo Laurel closes out Fashion Week Asia at The Gala with The Collection: Archivo, a retrospective celebrating his 33-year career.