Mr. Koko Gonzales showcases his modern Filipiniana collection at Indonesia Fashion Week 2025, featuring contemporary interpretations of the Filipiniana—from ready-to-wear pieces to formal and bridal ensembles.
Mr. Koko Gonzales showcases his modern Filipiniana collection at Indonesia Fashion Week 2025, featuring contemporary interpretations of the Filipiniana—from ready-to-wear pieces to formal and bridal ensembles.  

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Philippines made a bold and meaningful mark at this year’s Indonesia Fashion Week (IFW) 2025, held from 28 May to 01 June at the Jakarta Convention Center. Spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Jakarta (PTIC-Jakarta), and in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia, this milestone reflects the country’s deepening engagement with Indonesia in the creative industries. 

One of the finalists of TernoCon 2025, Filipino Designer Koko Gonzales of LSW, was the only foreign designer featured in the Grand Closing Ceremony of IFW 2025. He presented a nine-piece modern Filipiniana collection that reimagined traditional silhouettes such as the terno, kimona, balintawak, and barong. Crafted with Philippine indigenous materials and textiles—piña, jusi, and Inaul—the collection blended contemporary elegance with the vibrance of everyday Filipino life. 

“Being part of Indonesia Fashion Week 2025 has been nothing short of inspiring. As a Filipino designer, it’s an honor to present pieces that reflect our rich culture — interpreted through my own creative lens. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to represent the Philippines and to take part in this cultural exchange,” said Koko Gonzales. 

Filipino MSMEs were also spotlighted at the IFW 2025 trade exhibit, with featured brands Anmari and Co. and 1Export bringing Philippine creativity to the international market. 

Anmari and Co., known for its artisanal bags made from sustainable materials such as buntal, rattan, raffia, and Philippine weaves like Yakan, and T’nalak, showcased a refined collection on the trade show floor. With roots deeply grounded in Filipino culture and a vision for global appeal, Anmari’s participation underscored a commitment to sustainable fashion—celebrating natural materials, ethical production, and the artistry of local communities. 

“It is an honor to be part of this year’s Indonesia Fashion Week. Anmari and Co. takes pride in showcasing handcrafted bags and accessories from the Philippines. Our experience has been very fruitful so far, and we look forward to participating again in the future,” said owner and brand manager, Mr. Bobby Lim. 

L–R: Mr. Bobby Lim of Anmari and Co.; Ibu Naniek Rachmat, renowned designer and member of the Indonesian Fashion Entrepreneurs and Designers Association (APPMI), the organizer of Indonesia Fashion Week; and Commercial Counsellor Jollan Llaneza of PTIC Jakarta.
L–R: Mr. Bobby Lim of Anmari and Co.; Ibu Naniek Rachmat, renowned designer and member of the Indonesian Fashion Entrepreneurs and Designers Association (APPMI), the organizer of Indonesia Fashion Week; and Commercial Counsellor Jollan Llaneza of PTIC Jakarta.  

1Export, a Philippine-founded export and fulfillment solutions startup that has expanded to other countries including Indonesia, curated a booth featuring Filipino-made goods such as handcrafted toys, snacks, statement shirts, and accessories under its brand Zendease by 1Export Indonesia. “Zendease by 1Export Indonesia is thrilled to be part of Indonesia Fashion Week, proudly showcasing the vibrant artistry and unique heritage of the Philippines through our curated selection of authentic souvenirs—from stylish shirts and pins to the elegance of the barong and traditional fans. We look forward to sharing a piece of our culture with Jakarta’s fashion enthusiasts,” shared Mr. Muhamad Andryogo Wibowo, head of operations of 1Export Indonesia. 

Visitors explore Zendease’s booth, featuring handcrafted trinkets and distinctive souvenirs from the Philippines. (Photo by Zendease)
Visitors explore Zendease’s booth, featuring handcrafted trinkets and distinctive souvenirs from the Philippines. (Photo by Zendease)

The participation of Filipino designers and MSMEs at IFW 2025 reflects a broader, strategic effort by the Philippine government to promote the creative industries internationally. In Indonesia, this effort is led by PTIC-Jakarta under the DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy program, which seeks to elevate Filipino creativity and strengthen economic and cultural ties with partner countries. 

DTI Commercial Counsellor Jollan Llaneza said, “PTIC-Jakarta is proud to support the Philippines’ participation in IFW 2025, an important platform that showcases the best of Filipino creativity and craftsmanship. Our involvement aligns with the Philippines-Indonesia MOU on creative economy. Following the directive of Secretary Roque, we are committed to promoting Filipino creative industries abroad and facilitating opportunities for our MSMEs and designers on the global stage, expanding their reach and fostering commercially meaningful partnerships.”  

In 2022, the Philippines and Indonesia signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Creative Economy Cooperation. The MOU encourages collaboration in sectors such as fashion, crafts, and design, and identifies key creative professionals including fashion designers, culinary artists, filmmakers, musicians, and more. Cooperation initiatives under the MOU include exchange of information on market research and policy trends, as well as facilitating co-production, co-branding programs, and marketing of creative products, goods, and services.

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Commercial Counsellor Jollan Margaret Llaneza
Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Jakarta
Email: jakarta@dti.gov.ph ♦

Date of Release: 04 June 2025

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