nicolò

For nicolò, fashion has always been a study in balance: between form and function, ambition and restraint, experimentation and purpose. At MNL Fashion Week 2026, the designer presents flow state, a collection that turns inward to examine the pressures that come with creativity, growth, and the constant pursuit of achievement.

Every collection begins with a story. What personal experience, emotion, or cultural reference became the starting point for the collection you’re presenting at Manila Fashion Week?

flow state is a reflection on my relationship with work, ambition, and creativity. Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to experience a lot of growth as a designer, but with that also came the pressure to constantly achieve more. I found myself asking where the line is between healthy ambition and obsession.

The collection explores that question through three mythological figures: Sisyphus, Narcissus, and Icarus. Sisyphus represents the repetitive discipline of creative work, Narcissus explores self-reflection and the tension between confidence and ego, while Icarus speaks to the beauty and danger of relentless ambition. Although inspired by mythology, the collection is deeply personal. It’s about learning to enjoy the process instead of constantly chasing the next milestone.

Your work contributes to the evolving narrative of Filipino fashion. How do you define your creative identity today, and how has it transformed since you first started designing?

Today, I describe my work as subtle experimentation. I’m interested in creating clothes that feel approachable at first glance but reveal thoughtful construction, unexpected proportions, and functional details the longer you engage with them. My philosophy has always been “form, function, emotion”: every design should either solve a problem, create visual intrigue, or make the wearer feel something.

When I first started designing, I was more focused on making statement pieces. Over time, I’ve become more interested in restraint and longevity. I now believe that good design isn’t about adding more, but about refining an idea until every detail has a purpose. That shift has made my work quieter, but hopefully more confident.

Fashion is more than clothing—it’s a reflection of culture, community, and individuality. What conversation or feeling do you hope your collection sparks once it leaves the runway?

I hope the collection encourages people to rethink what success looks like. We live in a culture that celebrates constant productivity and bigger achievements, but flow state asks whether fulfillment can also come from simply being present in the work itself.

Beyond that, I want people to leave feeling optimistic. Even though the collection touches on ambition and pressure, it’s ultimately about finding joy in creating, moving forward with intention, and allowing yourself to enjoy the journey rather than always chasing the destination.

Can you share a moment from the creation process that challenged or surprised you? Whether it was a material, silhouette, collaboration, or unexpected breakthrough, we’d love to hear the story behind it.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came from learning to simplify. Early in the design process, I kept adding details because I thought every look needed to become more elaborate. Eventually I realized that the strongest ideas were often the simplest ones.

That realization influenced everything, from the silhouettes to the graphic motifs and fabric choices. Instead of overwhelming the garments with decoration, I focused on clarity, proportion, texture, and construction. Ironically, stripping things back made the collection feel much stronger and much more aligned with my brand.

Looking beyond this season, what do you hope your work contributes to the future of Philippine fashion, and what legacy do you want your brand to leave for the next generation of creatives?

I hope my work contributes to a vision of Filipino fashion that is globally relevant while remaining authentically ours. We don’t need to imitate what already exists elsewhere. We can participate in the international conversation through strong ideas, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a distinct point of view.

If people remember nicolò years from now, I hope it’s as a brand that proved thoughtful design and consistency matter. More than individual collections, I want to leave behind a body of work that encourages young Filipino designers to trust their own voice, stay curious, and understand that lasting success comes from continuously refining your craft rather than chasing trends.