On March 20, 2025, I was invited to attend Fashion Forte XXIII at the Crowne Plaza Manila in Ortigas Center.
Fashion Forte is a long-running series of fashion shows held at the hotel. It was founded and produced by noted fashion designer Nardie Montoya Presa, who aims to provide young and emerging designers with a platform to showcase their latest works. The fashion series also serves as a training ground for aspiring models looking to hone their skills.
This edition’s lineup featured a mix of up-and-coming designers. The models — men, women, and even children — were plentiful, with some showing great promise. A diverse array of fashion pieces, including streetwear, children’s wear, corporate wear, and evening gowns (bridal designs included!), graced the runway before a standing-room-only crowd at the Ruby Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Manila.
At the backstage.
Leading the presentation was La Presa, the summer collection by Nardie Montoya Presa. This was followed by collections from Mark de Los Santos, Ordy Yu, Pamela Lomibao, Wency Anzano, Tony Kimpo, Adam Balasa, Ana Matutina, J. Layson, James O’Briant, Jasmin Brubio, Ken Pizarro, and Russ Cuevas, each making a distinct fashion statement on the runway.
I took an unconventional approach to previewing the collections — I had the privilege of covering the show from backstage, witnessing the pieces firsthand before the models made their way down the ramp.
Terno reinventions of Russ Cuevas.
As a fashion designer myself, I have extensive experience in producing fashion shows. I am all too familiar with the jitters and stressful moments that come before a collection is unveiled.
Backstage, a number of models awaited their turn. Most were already dressed by their respective designers, while others were still in the process of getting ready. The clothes were neatly arranged in their designated spaces, and despite the flurry of activity, the backstage scene remained well-organized. Kudos to the show’s director, Audie Espino, who did a splendid job ensuring everything ran smoothly, both behind the scenes and on the runway.
Diverse fashion statements.
The collections showcased a variety of fashion statements catering to different audiences — both the young and the young at heart. Avant-garde and refined pieces dominated the runway, with summer-ready ensembles taking center stage. While all the designers left a lasting impression, two stood out to me.
Ken Pizarro, 27, is currently studying fashion at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. He presented an avant-garde collection dominated by black and gray tones. His inspiration? “The weight of unspoken pain,” expressed through intricate teardrop details adorning his pieces. Interestingly, Pizarro initially pursued a career as an electrical engineer before deciding to follow his true passion — fashion design.
Pizarro and his fashion statements.
Another standout was Russ Cuevas, 52, a former medical representative and registered medical technologist. He made a bold statement by reinventing the terno, transforming the national dress into more wearable and contemporary pieces. “I want to redefine the Filipino fashion identity,” Cuevas said. His collection was a fitting finale for Fashion Forte XXIII.
The Philippines is undoubtedly blessed with an abundance of creative talent, many of whom are just waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
I applaud those who work tirelessly to provide a platform for these designers — Nardie Montoya Presa, here’s to many more Fashion Forte events to come!
Fashion goes forward.
Soon, I will begin assembling a team of young designers from across the country to represent the Philippines at Asia Fashion Week in Malaysia later this year.
In the meantime, as fashion consumers, you, too, can play a role in supporting local designers. By doing so, you help sustain an industry fueled by passion and artistry. For the love of Philippine fashion, we stand united!
Stay fabulous. Stay in fashion! Bisou, bisou.
