Charlotte Folk Turns the Runway into a Hotel at MNL Fashion Week 2026, Finding the Expressiveness in the Mundane

The label opened Day Three with a show built around people moving in and out of a hotel, a  collection about diversity, individuality and everyday life shown a little more elevated. Skusta  Clee and Flow G performed.

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES — 05 September 2026 — Charlotte Folk opened the third night of  MNL Fashion Week 2026 at SMX Aura this evening with a runway staged as a hotel, following  different individuals moving in and out of its doors. 

“We’re really going all out with the everyday theme,” the designer said. “The runway will follow  different individuals moving in and out of a hotel, giving a glimpse into the different personalities,  lifestyles, and ways people wear Charlotte Folk. It’s a fun way of showing that there isn’t just one  way to wear CF or one version of the person who wears it.” 

The 7PM show opened the festival’s third day, ahead of ANTONINA at 9PM. Skusta Clee and Flow  G performed.

EVERY VERSION OF YOURSELF 

The show’s premise, in the designer’s words, is “about embracing every version of yourself and  finding the beauty and expressiveness in the mundane. We wanted the show to feel familiar and  relatable while still presenting everyday life in a more elevated and expressive way.” 

The collection itself marks a departure. “Our upcoming collection is very different from our current  ones,” the designer said ahead of the show. “It’s something we’ve always wanted to do at  Charlotte Folk, so we’re really excited to finally bring it to life.” 

Its starting point was accumulated rather than singular. “Charlotte Folk has always been built on the  idea of creating pieces for everyone, everywhere. This collection was inspired by the people I’ve  met, the places I’ve traveled to, and the different lifestyles I’ve experienced along the way. We  wanted to create a collection that reflects diversity, movement, and individuality — showing that no  matter who you are or where you’re from, there’s a place for you in Charlotte Folk.” 

“This collection celebrates diversity and individuality,” the designer added. “It’s inspired by our  travels, the people we’ve met, Filipino artists, local culture, and even our tropical weather. We  wanted to create pieces that feel effortless, versatile, and relatable while reflecting the many stories  and perspectives that shape Charlotte Folk.”

ELEVATED EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

The label’s creative identity has been rooted from the start in elevated everyday essentials, but the  designer describes it as having sharpened over time. “We draw inspiration from Filipino culture in  subtle ways - through local music, artists, the tropical climate, and the way people naturally express  themselves through fashion. Over time, we’ve become more confident in creating pieces that are  functional, timeless, and distinctly Charlotte Folk while still celebrating our local perspective.” 

Asked which piece best represents the brand, the answer is the plainest one on the rail. “If I had to  choose one, it would be our basic tee. It’s simple, timeless, and versatile, everything we believe  great everyday clothing should be. It’s designed to be styled differently by every person who wears  it, and that’s what Charlotte Folk is all about.” 

The brand’s direction is set in dialogue with the people wearing it. “We take a lot of inspiration from  the people around us and the community we’ve built. We listen to what they want, observe how  they wear our pieces, and turn those ideas into collections that feel authentic to Charlotte Folk.”

FROM A BEDROOM TO A COMMUNITY 

“I started doing everything from my room, wearing multiple hats every single day,” the designer said  of the label’s early years. “Today, we have a growing team that’s just as passionate about the  brand as I am. Seeing Charlotte Folk grow into a community rather than just a clothing brand is  something I’m incredibly proud of.” 

“I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection,” she said. “Building a brand comes  with challenges, but I’ve never seen myself giving up on this dream. I also believe in surrounding  myself with passionate and driven people who share the same vision. What motivates me the most  is seeing people wear Charlotte Folk in their own way and make it part of their everyday lives.” 

“I see myself as someone who never gave up on a childhood dream. More than being a designer, I  see myself as part of a community that encourages people to express themselves confidently  through fashion. If our pieces help someone feel more comfortable being themselves, then I feel like  I’ve done my job.”

WHAT SHE HOPES IT LEAVES BEHIND 

“More than anything, I hope people feel included,” the designer said. “Charlotte Folk has always  been about building a genuine community, and we love bringing our audience into our creative  journey by sharing the process behind every collection. I hope this collection encourages people to  embrace their own style with confidence and reminds them that fashion should feel personal,  expressive, and accessible to everyone.” 

“I hope Charlotte Folk encourages people to see fashion as a form of self-expression rather than  something defined by trends,” she added. “If our brand can inspire the next generation to create  authentically, embrace inclusivity, and build communities through fashion, then that’s the legacy  we’d be proud to leave.” 

Charlotte Folk has previously shown at Bangkok and New York Fashion Week. “More than  expanding internationally, I hope we can help bring Filipino creativity to the global stage and see  more people from different cultures make Charlotte Folk their own.”

Following MNL FASHION WEEK, the label moves on to its next collection and campaign, and to  further experiences for its community of Urban Muses.

AT THE SHOW 

Muses for the Charlotte Folk show: 

Lookmhee · Sonya 

Performing: 

Skusta Clee · Flow G 

Seen at the Charlotte Folk show: 

Mavi Legaspi · Toptap · Minlee · Helen Hiu · Cissylia · Linh Chau · Ba Tung 

Thai actor Boss Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya is in Manila to attend MNL FASHION WEEK 2026,  joining the celebration of Filipino fashion and creativity across the festival’s four nights. 

MNL FASHION WEEK 2026 concludes at SMX Aura on 06 September.