FILIPINXT’s Breathtaking NYFW Collections Prove Filipino Talent Belongs On The World Stage

Bessie Besana: "Rays of Twilight"

Renowned for his mastery in bridal and formal wear, Besana presented a breathtaking collection crafted from delicate Chantilly lace, silk, and tulle in serene whites and nudes. His vision for the collection was rooted in a woman celebrating love in all its forms. “I want her to feel her best, whether she’s in a quiet garden or on a peaceful beach, embracing the love she has,” Besana shared.

Your collection radiates timeless elegance with a contemporary touch. How do you balance tradition and modernity in your designs?

Besana: Bridal dresses are clothing that you would still see even 50 years down your life. The pieces I always make are timeless and elegant and I am able to marry these two ideas by incorporating classic silhouettes that will last through time with intricate details that are contemporary.

Gabby Garcia of Tagpi: "Tahak"

As one of the youngest designers at the show, Garcia’s collection was a tribute to his deep appreciation for Filipino culture and sustainability. He incorporated high-quality handwoven fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship in every piece. “Tahak represents a journey—where the lushness of the Philippines meets the sophistication of city life,” Garcia explained. The collection, featuring handwoven fabrics, tweed, wool, and crochet from the Philippines, blended visual appeal with practicality. Inspired by the blues and whites of the islands, the color palette and mix of structured and flowing silhouettes provided versatility for the modern traveler.

Your collection beautifully bridges the tropical vibrance of the Philippines with the energy of New York. What was the biggest challenge in merging these two worlds?

Garcia: For me, the biggest challenge was designing garments that would work for seasons we don’t experience in the Philippines—fall and winter. In our tropical climate, the clothing we create is typically lighter and more breathable to suit the warmth, so translating that to colder seasons was a significant shift. The challenge lay not only in the technical aspects of creating pieces that would function in colder weather but also in capturing the essence of both the Philippines’ tropical vibrancy and New York’s winter energy. As with many new experiences, stepping outside my comfort zone to try something different always brings its challenges. However, I saw this as an opportunity to grow and expand my creative boundaries, learning along the way to merge these two distinct worlds in a way that feels authentic to both.

Jasmine Baac: "Bagoyan Rising"

Jasmine Baac’s collection, "Bagoyan Rising," served as a powerful salute to the toughness and resilience of Kalinga heritage. Hailing from the Kalinga province, Baac used this collection to honor her indigenous roots while infusing it with modern, chic aesthetics. "Through Bagoyan Rising, I want the world to see how our heritage can transcend boundaries," Baac explained. Featuring handwoven Kalinga textiles, linen, and Italian cotton, the pieces came alive in an earthy palette of red, terracotta, black, and blue.

Your collection is a stunning tribute to Kalinga heritage. What was the most meaningful part of honoring your roots through fashion?

Baac: The art of weaving is a big part of the culture of Kalinga, it carries not just pattens but our history, our stories, and our identity. It reflects our ancestors’ wisdom and courage that has been passed down from generation to generation, and by using the weaves, I am able to create a deeper connection between the past and the present. I help preserve our traditional designs, yet I also reinterpret them to become modern, to become wearable forms of art, and share them for all the world to see. This, I think is the most meaningful part of honoring my roots through fashion.

Edited Limited x Adante Leyesa: "Tough Love"

“Tough Love” skillfully combined Bartolome’s edgy streetwear vibe with Leyesa’s elegant yet fun accessories, creating an exciting duality. "I've learned to embrace my weaknesses as a designer," Bartolome explained. "The challenges pushed me to innovate and create pieces that are not just high-quality, but meaningful." Leyesa’s handcrafted accessories added a unique flair, with eye-catching details and textures that reflected his desire to tell a story through his creations. "To me, fashion is not just about clothing; it’s an art form," Leyesa said.

This collaboration was a bold fusion of streetwear and intricate accessories. What was the creative process like blending your two unique styles?

Edited Limited: My journey as a designer and starting a sustainable clothing brand only happened in 2022. Ever since Adante and I started our company creating bag and accessory 15 years ago, with him as the lead designer, I would always enjoy my life and being comfortable behind the limelight working as a support staff doing all paper works, marketing, logistics and designer/consultant. Then came this opportunity to showcase side-by-side with him, on a global stage.

Creating this collection was like a roller-coaster ride. There are a lot of intense emotions invested, sudden changes in concepts, plenty of revisions, considerations and challenges. Collaborations, having two creative minds wanting to show, can be advantageous or, most of the time, disastrous. Two brands, having conflicting style and aesthetics, was certainly a struggle to move forward. With only 2 months to plan and finish the 15-piece collection, it was next to impossible.

But Adante and I, with 18 years of being together as lifelong partners, have our dynamics, and we respect each other. Although we argue and discuss a lot, we know that we complement each other.

To create pieces for the show, we were able to utilize each other’s strengths. I did all the constructions of the clothes while Adante shared his vision to create a color story and his expertise in his craft as an accessory and bag designer.

We iteratively refined our concepts by combining elements from each of our styles to create a unique and cohesive collection. There is mutual respect, and we value each other’s design perspectives. With only two months to prepare, we were pressed for time, so we also applied our decision-making maturity through a structured process for evaluating and selecting the designs, silhouettes, materials and elements, styling and all aspects of the presentation.

This collection is our personal story and journey that we want to share with our audience. Both of our styles must be evident and present in each of the looks. Though contrasting in nature, when mixed and combined together, there is harmony and balance. Although I did the apparel and he did the accessories and bags, we made sure that the result has an equal footing and nobody is left behind.

FILIPINXT at NYFW FW2025 was more than just a showcase of beautiful garments—it was a statement of identity, artistry, and resilience. These designers brought Filipino talent to the global stage, proving that fashion is not just about aesthetics but about storytelling, heritage, and innovation. As the world takes notice, one thing is clear: the future of fashion is diverse, dynamic, and undeniably Filipino.