Filipino designers work toward PH recognition in New York Fashion Week
TWO Filipino designers, Bessie Besana and Rob Mallari D’Auria, are attempting to make their mark on the prestigious list of the renowned New York Fashion Week by showcasing the talent of Filipino designers and their creations.
Initiated by visionary Filipino designer Besana and Filipino lawyer and New York City restaurant owner D’Auria, the campaign aims to introduce the Filipinxt movement to the US fashion industry, heralding it as the new era of Philippine Fashion that will bring the works of Filipino designers to the fashion capital of the world.
The Filipinxt campaign was launched in Times Square, New York, with four notable designers — Veejay Floresca, Michael Leyva, Wilson Limon, and Bessie
Besana — displaying their creations on a large LED screen. They will showcase their works at the Filipinxt fashion show on May 4 and 5 on West 43rd Street in Manhattan, New York.
Besana mentioned that the fashion event in May will serve as their resume to be recognized and potentially enter the official list of the prestigious New York Fashion Week scheduled for September. If successful, they plan to assist small designers in the Philippines in showcasing their talent to the world.
“We really want Filipino designers to have the opportunity to come to New York City to showcase their talent. Filipino designers are very talented, and there hasn’t been a proper avenue for them to come here and showcase in the city of New York, which is a fashion capital of the world. So, we really want to bring them here,” Besana stated.
“The long-term goal for us is to be part of the New York Fashion Week, and hopefully, the buyers and people involved in New York Fashion Week will recognize Filipino talent because, at this point in
time, Filipino talent in the fashion industry needs to be recognized. I think this is the time for Filipinos,” Besana added in an exclusive interview with The Manila Times in New York.
According to D’Auria, the co-founder of Filipinxt, they don’t regret the significant investment made to be known at New York Fashion Week. Their goal is not just one show; they aim to have more shows in the future, bringing Filipino talent to the global scene. Their group strives to make an impact in the New York fashion scene and will continue doing so until Filipino
talent gains the recognition it deserves.
Besana is acknowledged as a visionary Filipino fashion designer known for crafting exquisite formal wear that combines contemporary aesthetics with a deep understanding of the grace and beauty of the human body. With an innovative career marked by attention to detail, Besana has become a trailblazer in the fashion world.
D’Auria, on the other hand, is a Filipino lawyer and Co-Founder of Kalye NYC, currently working at Human Rights Watch as one of the executive directors who love fashion.