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Manila International Fashion Week 2024 and the Coming 2025: A Celebration of Global Fashion and Advocacy

April 23, 2025

By: Alegre de Pilipinas

The highly anticipated Manila International Fashion Week 2024 concluded with resounding success on November 30, 2024, at the prestigious Blue Leaf Pavilion, McKinley Hill. The event was a dazzling showcase of international and local design talent, captivating audiences with its innovative presentations and inspiring advocacies.

The event was honored by distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Dr. Catherine McIntosh, the Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, along with Reverend Paul McIntosh and Mr. David Pennycook, the Second Secretary.

Among those spotted at the MIFW event in support of Renee Salud were former beauty queens Criselda “Dang” Cecilio, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1979; Melanie Marquez, a Filipino actress and beauty queen who was crowned Miss International 1979; Desiree Verdadero Abesamis, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1984 and Miss Universe 3rd Runner-Up 1984.

Prominent Designers Shine at Manila International Fashion Week 2024

Manila International Fashion Week 2024 showcased an impressive lineup of designers from around the world:

Renee Salud, recognized as the Philippines’ Ambassador for Fashion, presented a breathtaking collection that honored Filipino cultural heritage.
New Zealand’s Judy Gao and Mitchell Vincent captivated the audience with their contemporary interpretations of timeless designs.
Israel’s D’Shee brand offered a sophisticated and innovative approach to fashion, blending modernity with elegance.
The House of Byfield from the Netherlands brought a distinctive European edge to the runway, showcasing bold, creative pieces.
Renowned local designers, including John Guarnes, Bench Bello, Jenny Mercado-Ortega, and Pat Herrera, presented cutting-edge designs that seamlessly blended traditional elements with modern aesthetics.
Marjorie Renner, a Filipino designer based in the USA, returned to her roots with a collection that deeply resonated with the audience.

Advocacy Through Fashion: Mia Resurreccion’s Empowering T-Shirt Collection

A standout moment at Manila International Fashion Week 2024 was the unveiling of Mia Resurreccion’s T-shirt collection, which champions her advocacy for individuals with disabilities. This line beautifully demonstrated how fashion can be a vehicle for inclusivity and empowerment, reminding everyone of its potential to make a positive impact.

Mia’s collection blended style with purpose, raising awareness and support for the disabled community. Her advocacy was powerfully showcased through her collaboration with Gerry Gonzalo, a symbol of resilience. Once a prominent figure in the 1980s fashion scene, Gerry’s career was tragically cut short by an accident that left him blind. His return to the spotlight stands as an inspiration, exemplifying strength and determination.

Manila International Fashion Week 2024 and the Coming 2025: A Celebration of Global Fashion and Advocacy — Photo Courtesy: Manila International Fashion Week

Celebrating Young Creatives

The Kids and Teens segment was a highlight, with designs from AJ Demigaya, Smith Milliondaga, Cynthia Attah, and Sheralene Shirata, all of whom showcased the creativity and innovation of the younger generation.

Modeling Competition Triumphs

The Modeling Competition also delivered excitement, with Marcus Parcon and Mykaela Oliverio emerging as the champions, embodying the confidence and poise of tomorrow’s fashion icons.

The Denim Revival: Sustainability in Fashion

The Denim Revival competition featured four talented up-and-coming designers who showcased their skills in upcycling denim, turning it into striking, sustainable fashion pieces.

A Showcase of Talent and Collaboration

The event was led by Bench Bello and directed by Larry Asistin, highlighting not only world-class fashion but also a strong focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and creativity. Manila International Fashion Week 2024 showed the Philippines’ standing as a global fashion destination while promoting cross-cultural collaborations.