Manila is set to receive a fashion upgrade as it prepares for the inaugural Manila Fashion Week (MNLFW), scheduled to take place this October.

Formerly known as BYS Fashion Week, this annual event began in 2022 as an anniversary party for the brand. Its success led to its sequels in 2023 and 2024, and this year, the team is broadening its scope to redefine what Philippine fashion truly means locally and internationally.

Last Sept. 25, The Beat Asia got to sit down at the media launch for the event, where founder John Lozano expressed his excitement for the upcoming shows and unveiled this official lineup of designers.

“What we always kept in mind while we were doing BYS Fashion Week was to push for excellence. We always wanted the shows to be as spectacular as possible because the Filipino designers deserve better. They deserve a platform where they can share their story and vision. It’s really to honor and celebrate the Filipino designers.”

This year’s MNLFW will happen on Oct. 16 to 19, 2025 at the SM Aura Premiere, with eight shows featuring an exciting lineup of designers who embody the event's purpose: to showcase the Philippines as a global destination. John’s team personally curated the lineup, consisting of a mix of returning and debuting designers on the MNLFW stage, which includes Andrea Tetangco, Viktor, Viña Romero, OXGN, Chris Nick, Iñigo, DBTK, and Randolf.

“We look for designers and brands that have a distinct point of view,” explained John when asked about the deliberation process. “Brands and designers that the moment you see a piece, you already know it’s theirs. That’s always something that I look out for. At the same time, we look for designers and brands that really have the potential to go global because, at the end of the day, we want to get designers who have that mindset of creating brands that can compete globally. Brands that think beyond just designing clothes — those who create bags, shoes, and the world around them.”

John also revealed some highlights of the event beyond the main show. For the past three years, MNLFW has taken place in various venues to allow designers to choose a location where they believe they can convey their message in the best way. This year, they’re partnering with SM Aura Premiere for two venues: the Samsung Hall and the MNLFW Tent, which will be set up at the mall’s Sky Park. This change was mainly for the guests’ convenience, considering the fluctuating weather conditions in the city.

“Rest assured that each show will still have its own design and flavor. We’re going to change the set every show,” John shared. “In between the shows, there will be a lot of things people can do. There will be lounges where food is served, photo spots, and pop-ups. It’s a full experience for the guests.”

Another exciting highlight is the first-ever MNLFW Pop-Up, which will put up the designers’ clothes for sale after every show. This completes the fashion week experience, allowing guests to not only see the clothes, but also feel them up close and buy pieces they like.

“Fashion weeks all over the world have always centered on commerce. It’s really for designers to sell their clothes and show them to their clients. It’s supposed to help the designers get their business out there, and at the same time, the audience doesn’t just need to see the clothes, but they need to wear them and bring them home. That’s the essence of it all.”

Although Fashion Weeks are known to be an invite-only event, John shared that they’re opening a limited number of exclusive slots to the public for fans to witness their favorite designers and brands. You can send your applications here, which will then be screened and reviewed for approval by the MNLFW team.

Photographer ModeHunter will also be at the event to take photos for PAUSE Online, a publication that features streetwear fashion. This underscores the team’s desire to put Manila on the map as one of the global fashion capitals in the world.

“I hope this will start a revolution. We just need one foot in the door, and it’s going to start something,” John said. “I always push for embracing who we truly are, and who we truly are is a mixture of so many things. We are a global country. Instead of just looking at the past and finding the thing that’s so unique about the Philippines, let’s just embrace who we are today. That’s what we’re trying to push for Fashion Week.”

MANILA Fashion Week Schedule

Oct. 16

• Andrea Tetangco (5 PM) - Fashion Tent
• Viktor (8 PM) – Samsung Hall

Oct. 17

• Chris Nick (5 PM) - Fashion Tent
• OXGN (8 PM) – Samsung Hall

Oct. 18

• Iñigo (5 PM) - Fashion Tent
• DBTK (8 PM) – Samsung Hall

Oct. 19

• Viña Romero (5 PM) - Fashion Tent
• Randolf (8 PM) – Samsung Hall

For updates, visit the website or follow the Manila Fashion Week on Instagram.