Filipino designers take a shot at being the next big name in fashion through the Emmy-winning series, Project Runway

The biggest fashion competition in television is back for a new season! Project Runway season 19 returns to New York City and will premiere on Thursday, October 14. The cast includes Christian Siriano as the returning mentor along with judges Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth. The show takes on 16 new designers from across the United States and abroad, to prove that they have what it takes to be the next great name in fashion.

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The creativity and technique of the participants will be put to the test through out of the box challenges; from producing a “hauntingly” chic look, an avant-garde look from faux fur, an unconventional cocktail dress with a twist, and in a Project Runway first, the ultimate “Real Housewives” reunion outfit.

Yesterday, Project Runway gave us the first look to this season’s cast, which features two Filipino fashion designers. Here are the things we know about them so far.

Kenneth Barlis

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Kenneth was born and raised in Zamboanga. He found his calling in fashion at 17, a turning point in his life. He started his eponymous atelier, 9 years ago. His creations showcase clean, modern, bold, and sophisticated style. He’s not new to the fashion scene as he already has an extensive list of famous clients including Carrie Underwood, Khelani, Offset and more.

In 2018, he launched his KB School of Fashion, where he started training models for pageants and runway shows. In the past year, Kenneth has been busy creating KB masks to donate to local hospitals in San Diego and to raise funds for those who were affected by the pandemic. Above all the recognition he already achieved through his talents, Kenneth aims to make fashion accessible not only to well known personalities, but to everyone.

Darren Apolonio

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Another Filipino talent present in this season is Darren Apolonio, who was also born in the Philippines and raised by a single mother and three sisters. According to his profile, he is a huge fan of David Bowie and Lady Gaga and is inspired by their fearless approach to fashion. he first graduated with a bachelor in Multimedia Arts in De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. He is also a part of SCAD’s Class of 2019 majoring in Fashion, and has now relocated to Manhattan in New York City to pursue a career in fashion, fashion entertainment and visual arts.

Furthermore, he created a line that features his trademark, which is over-the-top designs for everyone, regardless of their gender expression. Darren is proud of his heritage and wants to be part of a new generation of designers with a mission to be unapologetically who they are in achieving their life-long dreams.

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