The MEGA Young Designers Competition 2024 made its big comeback this year, and here’s a look back on a night of celebrating the future of Filipino fashion
In championing sartorial excellence, MEGA has cemented its place in Philippine fashion. Through its 30 year-run, MEGA has always held a space for Filipino creatives to weave their stories through their work. The MEGA Young Designers Competition 2024 is a platform that further affirms this mission in a new generation of young creatives. Here are the brightest highlights of from the YDC finale:
RELATED: Prince Padilla Wins the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2024
The Young Designer’s Competition Champion
Prince Padilla brings home the title as the MEGA Young Designer for this year
Hailed as the winner of the MEGA Young Designer Competition for this year, Prince Padilla took his winning walk on the runway alongside the models for his collection, “Novel.” As the champion of the competition, he received the PHP 1 million cash prize courtesy of Security Bank, together with a million-peso-worth of print and digital media exposure, a design apprenticeship, and the trophy sculpted by Mulawin Abueva.
A look behind the scenes and seams
Before the announcement of the newest name to join MEGA’s Young Designers Competition champions, the audience witnessed a snippet of the finalists’ process—from their initial screening to their journey towards the runway. With a hint of nostalgia, the video paid homage to the reality television format of the previous YDC editions.
A fashion designer and former Ms. Universe for a host
Before cinching the Miss Universe crown in 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel has established herself as a fashion designer who integrates sustainability practices, such as upcycling, into her work. With deep love for her craft, it was only fitting that the Filipino-American beauty queen graced the occasion as the main host of the night. Gabriel also donned a knit dress by Filipino designer Jerome Lorico during the MEGA YDC 2024 Grand Final Showdown.
The runway pieces are available in SariSari shopping!
Liked what you saw on the runway? Selected looks from the YDC Top Six are now available on Sari Sari Shopping for purchase.
Guests came in their Filipino designer originals
In celebration of talent and artisanship that can be truly called ours, the guests who came to witness the YDC finale wore their own Filipino designer pieces at the event. From celebrities like Issa Pressman to society’s personalities, they showcased the work of Philippine fashion’s finest.
The best and brightest fashion luminaries sitting at the judges’ table
YDC’s roster of judges is made up of the highly esteemed authorities of Philippine Fashion: MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro, MEGA Creative Chief Patrick Ty, global fashion icon Heart Evangelista, Chairwoman of Philippine Fashion Coalition Carissa Cruz Evangelista, Co-founder of SoFA Design Institute Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Chief Marketing Officer of BYS Philippines and celebrity stylist John Lozano, and revered fashion designers Jojjie Lloren, Joey Samson and Jo Ann Bitagcol. After much deliberation, they chose the brimming potential of Prince Padilla.
RELATED: Meet the Host and Judges of the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2024
“The competition aims to discover the next big Filipino designer,” Reyes-Isidro affirms in her opening remarks. “Purpose and staying true to our DNA are important pillars of the MEGA brand.” With that, the MEGA Young Designers Competition is back for this generation’s next big name in the realm of design and fashion.
The Collections
Editorial Photography JHARWIN CASTANEDA. Creative Direction BRIE VENTURA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO
Runway Photography by ED SIMON of KLIQ INC.
Backstage Photography TIMOTHY DUENAS
Guest Photography KIERAN PUNAY of KLIQ INC.
Official fashion fund and grand prize partner SECURITY BANK
Co-presented by BYS PHILIPPINES
Special thanks to AYALA MALLS, LILY AND MATILDA, and HILLTOP BY EVERYDAY COFFEE ROASTERS
Official fashion fund and grand prize partner SECURITY BANK
Co-presented by BYS PHILIPPINES
Special thanks to AYALA MALLS, LILY AND MATILDA, and HILLTOP BY EVERYDAY COFFEE ROASTERS
