Filipino Fashion Week in New York

 ‘FilipiNxt’: Manila takes Manhattan

Miss Charlize

Business Mirror

April 1, 2024

Filipino, Filipina, Filipinx. Next. Nxt. FilipiNxt.

Picture this: a world where Filipino creativity is not only recognized but celebrated on a global scale—as part of New York Fashion Week—organized by Filipinos for Filipinos.

This vision is coming to fruition with FilipiNxt: The New Era of Philippine Fashion, a fusion of heritage and innovation, on May 5, 2024 at 4W43 in New York City. The revolutionary event will feature the collections of Bessie Besana, Michale Leyva, Wilson Limon and Veejay Floresca.

The ambitious fashion odyssey had a special preview on March 12 at Marriott Hotel Manila with FilipiNxt cofounder Rob Mallari-D’Auria, Marriott Manila’s cluster director of sales and marketing Lala Quilantang, fashion designer and FilipiNxt founder Bessie Besana, and host Janeena Chan welcoming guests with a toast of gratitude.

“On behalf of our multi-property vice president for the Philippines of Marriott International Bruce Winton, it is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each of you on this momentous occasion,” Quilantang said.

“Today, we stand at the crossroads of history, celebrating not just one, not just two but three remarkable milestones—the wonderful 15th anniversary of Marriott Manila, the 10th edition of Marry Me at Marriott, and the launch of this groundbreaking collaboration with Manila to Manhattan through FilipiNxt,” added Quilantang.

In May, Marry Me at Marriott will be featured in the New York staging of FilipiNxt. In July will be the 10th edition of Marry Me at Marriott at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, and the third season of Marriott Moments A-Fair: Dream Weddings and Events Expo at the MGBX, Marriott’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) venue.

“This one-of-a-kind partnership promises to redefine hospitality and fashion globally and locally, or should I say GLOCALLY. Today we will witness the dawn of a new era in Philippine fashion alongside the iconic Marry Me at Marriott. Together, these two innovative platforms shall embrace the rich Filipino artistry while conquering the global stage,” concluded Quilantang.  Meanwhile, Mallari-DAuria, the FilipiNxt cofounder, talked about the state of Philippine representation in the US fashion scene.

“We’ve got some incredible talent, no doubt about it. But you know what? We’ve never had a dedicated Filipino American Fashion Week in New York. Yes, we’ve had some designers showcasing in these events, but they mostly blend into other non-Filipino productions,” lamented Mallari-DAuria.

So, what’s the plan? Mallari-DAuria and designer Besana are making some bold moves.

“Because this generation of Filipino talent is creating designs that will grab the attention of the global audience, if given the right platform. And, that’s FilipiNxt,” said Mallari-DAuria. “This is a project that will tap young, talented and gritty Filipino designers to showcase their work for people to see and purchase. With resources, mentorship and killer platforms, FilipiNxt provides a showcase of their work.”

Besana, who is based in New York, will open the maiden FilipiNxt show with a collection he calls “Whispers of the Cosmos.”

Known recently as the creator of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s wedding dress, Besana’s design philosophy “revolves around the intersection of contemporary style and the inherent beauty of the human form. With an unwavering commitment to flattering silhouettes, his creations embody a perfect symbiosis of modern trends and classic sophistication.”

A day after the special press preview, Besana noted: “A lot has happened in the last 48 hours—from the idea of creating a show, to finding every single person to fit the roles and to working with all the creatives that believed in the vision that we have, it has been a whirlwind of an experience. I am proud to have produced FilipiNxt with Rob and this is just the beginning of everything. But what I do not forget is the core of who I am today. I am a designer and I will continue to hone my skills and my craft to show the world what a true Filipino talent is.”

After shows in Manila and Paris, Michael Leyva is set to conquer New York next with his newest collection, Heaven of Angels, a tribute to his late brother Brian who’s now his guardian angel. With his use of luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments, and silhouettes that exude opulence, his creations are “often a harmonious marriage of classic elegance and modern sophistication, creating a visual spectacle that leaves an indelible impression.”

Wilson Limon and his brand NiñoFranco, will showcase Davao creativity with his upcoming collection inspired by the vibrant heritage and traditions of the indigenous T’boli ethno-linguistic group. As a hardworking member of the board of trustees of the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, he has hands-on experience in fashion, product design and branding innovation.

Representing the creative community of Los Angeles, beauty queen and designer Veejay Floresca will present her collection of timeless elegance and eco-conscious clothing. She is adept at combining “minimalism with contemporary trends that reflect the changing world of fashion.”

“This fashion collection draws inspiration from classic menswear tailoring, reimagining it through the lens of sustainability and upcycling. Each piece in the collection incorporates elements of traditional menswear, such as sharp lines, structured silhouettes and fine craftsmanship, but with a modern twist,” Floresca explained.

“I always believe in Filipino creativity especially when it comes to fashion. To be part of the FilipiNxt maiden show is an honor!”