Filipino fashion is about to take New York scen by storm this year thanks to Filipinxt. A celebration of local talent in fashion design and the arts, Filipinxt is led by New York-based fashion designer Bessie Besana and restaurateur Rob Mallari-D'Auria on a mission to put Filipino artistry on the map. For its inaugural show on May 5 at the historic 4W43 Building in the Big Apple, it will feature four noted designers aiming to present the world the stories and colors of Filipino fashion through their works.

“Our goal is to bring the ingenuity of Filipino talent and, hopefully, get them recognized by the mainstream market,” Bessie says. “We want to bring this to the New York Fashion Week scene.”

“Filipinxt is a vehicle to give Filipino artists of all sorts a platform for a global career,” Rob adds.

Leading the pack is Bessie Besana, who made his mark by creating dreamy silhouettes that celebrate the beauty of the human form. The event is set to witness the designer’s newest line, “Whispers of the Cosmos,” a 15-piece collection for men and women imbued with the allure of the universe.

“Filipinxt is a dream come true. One of my goals is to become a show producer and Filipinxt is my personal foray into that,” Bessie muses. “I am also passionate in showcasing the talent of the Filipinos and this is the core identity of Filipinxt—to present the world-class talent of the Filipinos in New York City.”

Known for her minimalist and contemporary works is Manila-born Los Angeles-based designer Veejay Floresca. Through the years, Veejay has produced numerous collections that enabled her to build a brand abroad. Her craft now dives deep into purposeful designs through sustainable practices. By merging her design aesthetic with her environmental initiatives, she was able to produce one-of-a-kind garments while minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical production methods. On Filipinxt, Veejay will unveil a collection that stems from men’s dressing attitude, only made provocative and refreshingly new.

“The collection draws inspiration from menswear, incorporating tailored silhouettes and classic elements with a modern twist to create a sexy and fashion-forward aesthetic,” Veejay explains. “Featuring sleek lines, bold textures, and unexpected details, each piece exudes confidence and sophistication while pushing the boundaries of traditional menswear fashion.”

Wilson Limon’s introduction to the fashion world started with his family. Having a self-taught dressmaker grandmother and a fashion designer uncle, it was a natural step for him to take fashion design as a profession. But he found his own voice in the industry by championing local tapestries. Through his brand, NIñOFRANCO, Wilson was able to make pieces that stitched together the story of modern Filipinos and the heritage of Mindanao’s ethnolinguistic communities—-something New Yorkers will see on the runways of Filipinxt.

“This collection draws inspiration from the celestial realm of astral agriculture and the skilled craftsmanship of the T’boli artisans in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato,” Wilson says. “Titled ‘Taniba,’ it encapsulates the essence of preparing the land for cultivation, reflecting the intricate blend of cultural richness and artisanal expertise.”

Not a stranger to the global runway is Michael Leyva. After taking on his brother’s legacy in the local fashion scene, Michael became one of the most sought-after designers in the Philippines, dressing the country’s most stylish women in classic and opulent pieces. For Filipinxt, the designer is crafting an all-white parade, dubbed “Heaven of Angels,” finding the beauty in fine details through luxe materials and complex embellishments.

“Each garment is crafted to embody the essence of refined luxury, couture, and intricate detailing,” Michael shares. “My Filipino heritage and couture background are still very much present, infusing every piece with that touch of artistry and craftsmanship. This time around, I’m really focusing on textiles, fabric manipulations, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in couture. The collection will feature around 40 looks, both for men and women each crafted to embody elegance, sophistication, and a sense of cultural pride and classic Michael Leyva designs. It’s truly a collection to look forward to which I am super excited about.”

Apart from the works of the four Filipino designers, the runways of Filipinxt will be lit up with a special segment courtesy of Marriott Hotel Manila. The luxury destination has forged a special partnership with Filipinxt, allowing its goal of supporting world-class Filipino designers to go beyond the borders of the Philippines. It is planning to bring a taste of its illustrious “Marry Me at Marriott” showcase to Filipinxt. The New York show will also mark the shift of “Marry Me at Marriott” to “Gratus Philippine Gala,” a full-blown event celebrating stories of love and life’s dreams and winning moments.

“We are not only showcasing the designers because the director of our show is also a Filipino,” Bessie shares. “We are also tapping other Filipino talents in the community. We are not only limiting ourselves to the Filipino designers. We want the Filipino talents in different areas to be showcased in this show.”

“This is the time for Filipino designers and brands to step up, to be on par with New York Fashion Week,” Rob says. “We have the talent; we have what it takes to conquer the global stage. We just have to do it right. With the people we have now in Filipinxt, we can make it happen.”

To learn more about Filipinxt, visit @filipinxt.show on Instagram.

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