The Philippines is known for its strong showing in international beauty pageants. But hosting an international modeling contest with 100% foreign contestants, not so much.
It is in these beauty pageants, however, that the country has a platform to showcase the work of its talented fashion designers. It happened in several occasions that the pageant delegates from other countries opted to compete in clothes by Filipino designers.
Then comes Top Supermodel Australia 2025 which will hold its preliminary competition in the Philippines exhibiting the masterpieces of Filipino designers.
Top Supermodel creator and founder Michelle Membrere brought the contest to the Philippines. In September, 25 all-Australian contestants will visit Manila and other host provinces.
While there are no Filipina contestants, Filipino pride comes in the clothes not just by international-based designers, but for local artists working within the country as well. ‘Embodiment of cultural diversity’ is one of the criteria in rating the candidates aside from the expected runway skills. This highlight in the judging process gives further importance to the Filipino fashion art.
The Preliminary and International runway will be held at the historic conclave of Intramuros in Manila City on September 5 and 6 and it will be followed by what is the dubbed as the Kaleidoscope Runway, which will feature 6 local government units around the Philippines, embodying further cultural diversity.
After activities in the Philippines, the candidates will go back to Australia to prepare for the finals in November. The winner of Top Supermodel Australia 2025 will win 10,000 Australian dollars along with other special prizes from sponsors, and a hosting stint of a digital fashion show on an Australian platform.