Meet the Top 12 of BENCH Design Awards 2025
Twelve designers take the stage as the next wave of Filipino fashion begins with BENCH Design Awards 2025.
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos Bench
April 23, 2025
The BENCH Design Awards (BDA) make a highly anticipated return this year, continuing their mission to nurture, elevate, and spotlight Filipino talent in the design and fashion industry. Now in its fourth edition, BDA 2025 is set to shine a brighter light on the country’s emerging designers and their world-class craftsmanship.
The Fourth Edition
BDA 2025 remains steadfast in its goal to celebrate and amplify Filipino creativity. This year’s competition places a strong emphasis on increasing global awareness of local talent, with the ultimate goal of bringing Filipino design to the international stage.
A Prestigious Panel
Supporting this mission is an exceptional panel of jurors, each recognized for their influence and contributions to both local and international fashion. The jury includes Ben Chan, Chairman and CEO of Suyen Corporation; Kaoru Imajo, Director of Japan Fashion Week Organization; Mihara Yasuhiro, designer of Maison Miharayasuhiro; fashion stylist Michael Salientes; and renowned Filipino designers Dennis Lustico and Joey Samson.
These respected figures will determine the winners of BDA 2025—designers who will go on to represent the Philippines at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events: Tokyo Fashion Week later this year.
The Top 12
With entries close to a hundred, which included both seasoned professionals and promising regional talents, 12 finalists were selected. Each submission was carefully reviewed with an eye for innovation, craftsmanship, and global potential.
“Each entry had something unique to offer, and we kept in mind that those who rose to the top would have the opportunity for increased visibility in both the local and international fashion scenes,” says Ben Chan.
The Top 12 finalists are Alser Lumawag, Andre Plaus, Daryl Tejano, Gil Salazar, Jorem Biadoma, Karl Nadales, Marc Carcillar, Peter Gagula, Renee de Guzman, Sandro dela Peña, Stephany Verano, and Vin Orias.
These rising stars will each present eight standout looks from their collections during the much-anticipated Jury Night, happening on April 27 at The Playground, Bench Tower, BGC, Taguig.
As they prepare to showcase their vision, artistry, and craftsmanship, these designers are poised to make a lasting impact—not just on Philippine fashion, but on the global stage.
