“Sex sells.” And oh, how Chris Nick embodies it beautifully in his Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

At MNL Fashion Week 2025, Chris Nick didn’t just showcase his newest pieces — he staged a statement. His S/S 2026 collection was a stripped-down study on structure and sensuality, made for the modern femme. It was a detailed, unfiltered exploration of sex and desire through flawless tailoring, statement fabrics, and sleek monochromes.

Beneath the dim lights of the Fashion Tent, his “angels” glided down the runway dressed in alluring reinterpretations of the tuxedo, with standout dresses that captured the finesse of a woman fully embracing her sensuality. Each look blurred the line between elegance and provocation — a reminder that one’s sensuality isn’t something to hide, but something to claim with pride.

In a city still learning to embrace its boldness, Chris Nick truly delivered a collection that was both a mirror and a manifesto — a reflection of who he is, and what anyone can be: chic, self-assured, and unapologetically sensual.

The Beat Manila caught up with Chris Nick after Manila’s most fashionable weekend to talk about his signature style code, what Manila’s fashion scene could be, and what it means to be Chris Nick.

From LA to Manila: A Homecoming in High Fashion

After making his mark on the international stage — from LA Fashion Week in 2022 and New York Fashion Week in 2024 — Chris Nick makes a confident return to Manila — bringing with him that same unapologetic edge and signature sensuality that have defined his aesthetic since launching his brand in 2019.

“Oh my, what a show that was!” he recalls of his LA debut, where a collection balancing grunge, ‘90s minimalism, and a Filipino twist caught global attention. One thing that remained the same since then was his distinctive identity — one with class, elegance, and allure in equal measure.

“I guess you can see from each collection I present, it becomes more and more unapologetic and hyper sensual — it’s me as a person,” he continued.

For his show at the inaugural MNL Fashion Week, where all of Manila’s best dressed gathered for four nights filled with fashion, flair, and creativity, Chris Nick stood out for his work on structured sensuality. Seeing himself and all his creations in the spotlight was a “kink.” He still hasn’t gotten used to it, but dare he say he loved every moment.

Chris Nick S/S 2026: A Masterclass in Polished Sex Appeal

For his newest collection, Chris Nick drew from a plethora of influences — his travels, the nights that lingered, and the experiences that have shaped him. Yet at its core, he said, inspiration comes from the everyday.

“Really, the inspiration is my everyday life and music,” he shared. “I design based on the experiences I've lived and the things I’ve liked growing up. Whether it’s a film, a novel, a city — maybe music, a person, pop culture, or a club, or even sexual urges.”

From these inspirations emerges a concept Chris Nick calls “sensuality with restraint,” a signature he creates by marrying sharp, masculine tailoring with soft, romantic silhouettes. It’s long been a staple of his style code, and for him, it comes naturally.

“I don’t really think about it much; it’s just really what comes to mind,” he explained. “I don’t force it in a way, nor do I really have to think hard about it. When it’s in you — it’s just in you, I guess.”

Known for his mastery of black and white, Chris Nick expanded his palette for this collection to include creamy neutrals, earthy browns, and shades of ivory — a nod to skin, intimacy, and sex. Against this palette, his precision came alive in designs that whispered, “business at the front, party at the back.”

For Chris Nick, sex comes in the play of textures and fabrics, and of course, in sleek, crisp tuxedos. His muse? “Myself,” he said. “For the lack of a better term.”

On the runway, structured and tailored tuxes were contrasted with flowing, fluid fabrics. Tuxedo variations were paired with dresses that draped, hugged, or cut sharply, creating graceful movement as the models walked.

Standout looks from the runway included a cream chest-baring bodycon dress with flowing sleeves; an earthy brown, crisp tuxedo paired with a fluid skirt of the same color; a black structured and flowing two-piece set with fluid tailoring; an all-black long coat detailed with shirring on one side; a black tuxedo with an open back; a sheer, sparkly black sleeveless dress; a black cowl-necked long dress; and an ivory-cream dress with a high slit and a train that caught light with every movement.

One word truly encapsulates the meaning of Chris Nick’s collection, which he himself has used on numerous occasions: sensuality.

On Fitting In Manila’s Fashion Scene

Manila’s current fashion scene is a melting pot of styles — on one side, clean, minimal aesthetics dominated by natural and neutral tones; on the other, bold, colorful statements that mix and match different influences.

That’s the beauty of fashion — it’s a way to express individuality and personality. Yet, with so many styles competing for attention in mainstream media, it can also feel quite overwhelming and difficult for designers to find their own space to thrive.

For Chris Nick, whose signature blend of sharp, masculine tailoring and fluid, feminine silhouettes has defined his brand since 2019, he’s steadily carved out his own space in Manila’s fashion scene.

Just six months after the launch of his brand, he landed on magazine covers, runway appearances, and the hearts of celebrities like Max Collins, Rhian Ramos, Chie Filomeno, and LA Aguinaldo. In 2022, he made his international debut at LA Fashion Week, presenting his S/S 2023 collection, “Elegant Sensuality,” followed by New York Fashion Week in 2024, where his S/S 2025 collection highlighted the appeal of belts.

Manila’s fashion scene has long been driven by trends — whatever fashionistas and style leaders wear, everyone else follows. Chris Nick, however, sets himself apart. He doesn’t chase trends; he defines his own, staying true to his identity while allowing his signature style to speak for itself.

Amid all the noise of ever-changing aesthetics, Chris Nick shared his thoughts on where Manila’s fashion scene stands today. “I think I’d love Manila to welcome a more refined, understated look,” he shared. “Everything I’ve been seeing is either so commercial or so street. I’d love to see more people who are — genuinely — understated, sensual, elegant, and chic. I don’t think people really know what that means.”

With such an eventful year, with MNL Fashion Week being the crown jewel of his year, there’s still a lot more in store for Chris Nick. “We have some very big international and local projects to come in 2026!” he exclaimed. “The soonest for 2025 would be the release of the CHRIS NICK SS26 campaign and a show in Kuala Lumpur this year in November.”

Learn more about Chris Nick and his designs by viewing his collections on his website and following the brand’s Instagram.