Filipino Savants

Five Filipino designers, two global fashion events—the veteran artists and rising talents who are reinventing the global fashion scene

Late this year, two major fashion events took place: Arab Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week. With a multitude of fashion designers, brands, and houses coming together, standing out is not an easy feat, but these five Filipino designers made it barely a challenge.

CHRIS NICK

“Would wear this?”—this was the question that designer Chris Nick constantly asked himself while creating his Spring-Summer 2023 collection. This was his first-ever global presentation, and so it has to personify his identity as a designer. He utilized styles and elements that he felt were quintessential to his identity and brand: Lots of black and lots of tuxedo elements. Sensuality and elegance to the front.”

Revealing that he only had two weeks to prepare for the event, Nick was nonetheless ecstatic about his collection: It’s all so crazy because was given such a short period of time to create a new collection, but we were able to pull everything together. It was a test and believe we passed.”

Chris Nick’s collection, which was heavily inspired by 90s minimalism, grunge, and tuxedo, featured 20 ensembles that scream youth and sophistication.

“I believe in the power of understated elegance,” says Chris Nick. One never has to be too much and be over the top to make a statement. It’s harder that way you Know? When you’re comfortable with what you are, it shows. There’s a certain allure and charisma to a confident man or woman. You just know instantly.”

FRANCIS LIBIRAN

Francis Libiran is the epitome of innovation. No designer has experimented with diverse concepts as successfully and committedly as Libiran. For his Spring/Summer 2028 collection, Libiran marries art and intimacy with his artistry. It also served as an entourage to this spectacle of a show.