BYS Fashion Week 2024 delivered unforgettable moments, from Nadine Lustre’s menswear debut to Young Designers taking a leap on the runway, setting bold new trends for the future of Filipino fashion

Words Mika Reyes
Featured photo courtesy of Alexis Dave Co
October 15, 2024

BYS Fashion Week 2024 was a whirlwind of innovation, boundary-pushing designs, and unforgettable moments that set the stage for the next wave of trends. The annual fashion show was a testament to the diversity and creativity of the Filipino fashion scene, blending bold new ideas with iconic moments.

From Nadine Lustre's unexpected menswear debut to the rising stars of fashion staking their claim, this was a week to remember. And as always, fashion lovers are left eager to see what’s next.

If you missed out, fret not—we’ve got all the highlights from this must-see event.

Nadine Lustre Walks for Rajo Men

The opening night brought an iconic moment as Nadine Lustre made a surprise appearance on the runway for Rajo Men, marking her foray into menswear. It’s not every day you see a female star headlining a men’s collection, but Lustre’s commanding presence and Rajo Laurel’s masterful tailoring created a powerful statement about gender fluidity in fashion. This wasn’t just a runway show. It was a cultural shift.

Patty Ang's Breathtaking Ayala Triangle Show

Fashion took over one of the most iconic spaces in Manila as Patty Ang transformed the Ayala Triangle into her runway. This marked only the second time the location had been used for a show, with the first being Bang Pineda. Ang's ethereal collection of soft pastels and structured silhouettes contrasted beautifully against the urban jungle backdrop, proving once again that her designs are a marriage of grace and modernity. The show was as much a celebration of the city as it was of Ang’s signature style.

Streetwear Takes the Stage on Day 2

Day two was all about attitude and streetwear dominance. Designers Russell Villafuerte and ProudRace ruled the runway with their rebellious, edgy collections. Think oversized, deconstructed looks with a futuristic flair—urban cool with a daring twist. The energy in the room was electric, with models stomping down the runway to bold beats, capturing the very essence of street culture in 2024.

Young Designers Shine in BYS New Segment

BYS didn’t just celebrate established designers, it also put a spotlight on the next generation of fashion talent. Monohomme, Kristine Ordinario, and Inigo joined forces for a jaw-dropping joint show, collectively presenting 60 looks that showcased their distinct visions. From monochrome minimalism to sculptural silhouettes, these young creatives proved they are forces to be reckoned with, pushing the envelope and setting new standards in contemporary design.

James Reid's Comeback Performance

As if the fashion wasn’t enough, the crowd was treated to a special live performance by James Reid on the Charlotte Folk runway. Reid, who has been focusing on his music career in recent years, delivered a sultry and smooth set, perfectly complementing Charlotte Folk’s airport ready collection. It was a memorable blend of music and fashion that left the audience buzzing long after the last note.

Jaz Cerezo at Centro de Turismo

Jaz Cerezo took her designs to new heights—literally—by hosting her show at the newly opened Centro de Turismo, a museum that made its debut in 2024. Cerezo’s bold, avant-garde collection played beautifully against the clean, minimalist lines of the museum’s architecture, turning the runway into an art installation in itself. Her designs, which ranged from sleek, modern evening wear to draped flowy pieces, were a perfect fit for the space, bridging fashion and culture in one seamless stroke.

Martin Bautista’s Island Girl Fantasy

Closing out the week was Martin Bautista, whose collection transported the audience to a tropical paradise. His designs were a love letter to island life, filled with flowy, carefree silhouettes and vibrant hues that evoked the feeling of an endless summer. Expect to see Bautista’s island girl aesthetic making waves in 2025—think breezy dresses, bold cutouts, and effortless elegance that speaks to the modern woman’s desire for both comfort and chicness.