Archie G. Carrasco Joins The Business of Fashion 500, Bringing Philippine Media Into the Global Conversation

The AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) Chairman and CEO becomes the fifth Filipino to join The Business of Fashion 500, marking a milestone for Philippine media and the country’s growing presence in the global creative industry.

Archie G. Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC), is among the 100 new members of The Business of Fashion’s BoF 500 Class of 2026, joining an international community of people shaping the fashion industry. This year’s class represents 48 nationalities across 33 countries, spanning designers, executives, creatives, media figures, entrepreneurs, retailers, and catalysts.

First established in 2007, The Business of Fashion is a global fashion media and information company covering the people, businesses, and ideas shaping the industry. In 2013, it introduced The BoF 500, its definitive index of people shaping global fashion. With this year’s additions, the index now includes 1,713 people representing 104 nationalities. Members are selected through nominations from existing members, intelligence gathered by BoF’s global network, extensive research, and evaluation by its editorial team.

The BoF 500 reflects the global and interconnected nature of fashion, recognizing people who are shaping the industry in different ways.

Imran Amed, Founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion, said: “At a moment when the world is focused on borders, fashion’s strength remains its openness. The BoF 500 is our annual reminder of that: a community of people from every corner of the world — and every corner of the industry — whose talent and tenacity are shaping what comes next.”

For Carrasco, the distinction extends beyond a personal milestone. He sees it as a reflection of the Philippines’ growing place in the global fashion conversation and a responsibility to create greater opportunities for Filipino talent:

“Being included in the Business of Fashion 500 is deeply meaningful because I see it as recognition not only of my own journey, but of the growing place of the Philippines in the global fashion conversation. I have always believed that Filipino creativity deserves to be seen alongside the best in the world. To be recognized on this platform tells me that the world is paying attention—and that our responsibility now is to create even more opportunities for others to be seen.”

Carrasco is the fifth Filipino recognized as a member of The BoF 500, following Stephen Gan, founder and editor-in-chief of V Magazine and creative director of VMAN; Bryanboy, fashion blogger, content creator, and digital personality; Mark “Jappy” Gonzalez, founder of H&F Retail Concepts; and Anton Tantoco Huang, President and CEO of SSI Group.

Building Bridges From the Philippines to the World

That responsibility is closely tied to Carrasco’s work at AGC PHC. Over the years, the company has expanded across media, publishing, digital, events, and creative businesses, creating an ecosystem that connects homegrown platforms with international media partnerships.

Its growing portfolio includes local editions of global titles such as Vogue Philippines, GQ Philippines, and Harper’s BAZAAR Philippines, which is set to launch in November 2027, alongside homegrown publications including MEGA and Lifestyle Asia. Its wider portfolio also includes Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Robb Report Philippines, and VMAN Southeast Asia. The company is further strengthening its presence in Asia through Fashion Week Asia, set to debut in Manila in October this year.

Along the way, these platforms have opened avenues for Filipino editors, writers, photographers, designers, and other creative professionals to work with international institutions and reach wider audiences.

The ambition extends beyond bringing international names to the Philippines. It is also about creating an exchange in both directions: introducing Filipino audiences to leading ideas and institutions from around the world, while giving Filipino talent greater access to international networks and audiences.

“I want our platforms to bring the world’s best ideas and institutions to Filipino audiences, but equally important is the other direction: taking Filipino talent, creativity and stories to the world,” Carrasco said.

Making Room for What Comes Next

For Carrasco, the work is ultimately about creating more room for the next generation of Filipino creatives to build their careers, connect with global networks, and see Manila as a starting point for an international career.

“I hope they inherit a bigger starting point than the one my generation inherited. I want a young Filipino creative to grow up believing that Manila can be a starting point for a global career—not a limitation to one. If the platforms we are building make that journey even slightly easier for the next generation, then we have created something worthwhile,” Carrasco said.

Carrasco’s recognition in The BoF 500 Class of 2026 marks another chapter in the continuing story of Philippine creativity on the global stage. What began with building stronger media platforms in the Philippines now extends further outward, creating more room for Filipino ideas, talent, and stories to be seen and remembered beyond the country.

Cover photo by Conor Clinch. All other photos courtesy of Getty Images for The Business of Fashion.