The competition that cultivated the country’s best fashion designers made a grand return. MEGA Magazine shares its behind-the-scenes journey in reviving the event.
In the landscape of Philippine fashion, there are few events as iconic and impactful as MEGA Magazine’s Young Designers Competition (YDC). After a hiatus that left enthusiasts longing for its return, the event came back with a bang in 2024, all mounted by the dedicated efforts of an extraordinary team led by MEGA’s Editor-in-Chief, Peewee Isidro.
For nearly three decades, the YDC has been pioneering the journey of Filipino designers. It served as a launchpad for the country’s best like Rajo Laurel and Furne One, who joined the first few editions back in the late 90’s. Editor-in-Chief Peewee Isidro and the MEGA Magazine team brought back to life the YDC with a vision to not just replicate past successes but to elevate the competition to new heights.
Rolling out the Runway
COO of One MEGA Group Inc. Ramon Galicia notes, “Re-establishing YDC was quite critical for MEGA as a brand because it really goes back to the mission of the title which is championing Filipino creatives. The first YDC was in 1994, so it is momentous as we’re bringing it back after a decade. Last November, we gathered industry experts to engage with the past winners and leaders in fashion today. They also nominated their respective candidates that contributed to recognizing the next generation of fashion designers.”
Isidro also shed light on the journey of the YDC’s return. “The reception has been amazing,” Peewee shares, reflecting on the excitement that surrounded the initial announcement. “Even some of the MEGA YDC alumni and current designers helped us spread the word about this endeavor.”
However, the journey was far from easy. Isidro recounts the meticulous planning and execution required to ensure the event’s success. From the initial announcement to the final show presentation, every step was carefully orchestrated with the support of the entire MEGA team and various collaborators, including judges, models, hair and makeup artists, and sponsors.
“It was important to do it right since this is a legacy that is dear to us,” Isidro emphasizes. “We needed the right plan and execution to make its return impactful and meaningful.”
Creating a New YDC Era
YDC’s purpose remains the same — to discover the next big Filipino designer. However, reviving it after a decade also came with new shifts. Isidro reveals that the advent of social media has amplified callouts and broadened audiences, transcending borders to the international community. Moreover, she highlights the remarkable talent in today’s emerging designers, who not only exhibit creativity but also embrace two fundamental values: identity and sustainability.
Among the standout talents of the competition was Prince Padilla, who was named as this year’s YDC winner. According to Isidro, his collection opens a new chapter for womenswear and speaks to today’s generation. He receives prominent media exposure on MEGA’s platforms, a design apprenticeship, exhibit installation, a spot at the prestigious BYS fashion week, and a substantial cash prize of 1 million pesos.
For the future of fashion, Creative Chief Patrick Ty shares: “MEGA continuously pushes for the success of our local talent and we intend to support Prince along with the other 5 contestants by way of our print and social platforms. More than being a creative playground, our pages will connect them to their potential customers who believe in and understand the essence of their designs. This is what MEGA stands for.”
Head on over to https://mega-onemega.com/ to learn more.