See 25 designers preview their collections at the world’s only Philippine Fashion Week

For the second year, Toronto is hosting the world’s only Philippine Fashion Week. In support of the Kol Hope Foundation for Children, the festival, which starts today, aims to showcase the best of Filipino fashion and culture with a series of runway shows, galas (held this year at the Shangri La and Royal York) and a model-of-the-year competition. Last year’s shows saw a range of bold designs and artistic looks: there were structured peplum pantsuits from Canadian-Filipino designer Noel Crisostomo, glamorous floor-length gowns in gold lamé from Norman Noriega and jewel-toned maxi dresses by Kim Gan. Of the 25 designers who’ll be showing collections this year, we’re looking forward to the chic, polished aesthetic of Roland Alzaté, the head designer of Philippine lifestyle brand Bench and creator of London label Alzaté Londres. (Last year, he showed both collections.) For those with cash to spend, pieces from established and up-and-coming Filipino designers will be up for sale on June 14, at a by-appointment-only showroom at the Royal York. 

Jun. 9-15. Canada Philippine Fashion Week, canadaphilippinefashionweek.com