A Dozen Stars: 12 SoFA Icons Featured Prominently in Vogue Philippines

In a landmark celebration of artistry and influence, Vogue Philippines spotlights 200 trailblazing creatives who have defined and redefined the country’s fashion and design landscape over the past three decades. Among them stand 12 visionaries from the SoFA Design Institute—a dynamic mix of mentors, faculty, and alumni—whose talent and vision continue to shape Filipino creativity both locally and abroad.

From championing heritage through modern design to bringing Filipino craftsmanship to global prominence, these SoFA icons embody the institute’s enduring mission: to cultivate not just creative excellence, but voices that matter in shaping culture and industry.

The Mentors Who Inspire

Amina Aranaz-Alunan — The Bag Icon with Legacy in Her Hands
SoFA co-founder and celebrated designer behind ARANÁZ, Amina Aranaz-Alunan continues her family’s legacy of Filipino craftsmanship while mentoring new generations of creatives. From model to master’s degree holder in Fashion Accessories Design, she has built a career rooted in artistry, purpose, and mentorship.

Byron Velasquez — The Face of Beauty Education
A leading name in Philippine makeup artistry, Byron balances his industry career with teaching at SoFA, inspiring students to discover beauty as both skill and storytelling. His recognition in Vogue underscores how passion, expertise, and mentorship can transform an art form.

Migs Alcid — Designing Spaces, Designing Lives
A champion of contextual and culturally-rooted design, Migs—creative force behind Studio Tatin and One Hectare—blends heritage with modernity in every space he creates. His work redefines how Filipinos experience design as a reflection of identity and history.

Bea Constantino — Styling Stories, Stitching Heritage
Through her studio Süg, Bea Constantino weaves Mindanaoan narratives into fashion that speaks to both past and present. A stylist, mentor, and cultural advocate, she inspires SoFA students to design with purpose and pride in their roots.

Bobby Carlos — Beyond Beauty, Toward Innovation
Known for his artistry and experimentation, SoFA faculty member Bobby Carlos brings creativity beyond makeup. Through The Muse Project PH and Witches Blend PH, he merges sustainability, innovation, and self-expression—proving that design evolves where imagination leads.

The Alumni Who Lead the Future

Gabbie Sarenas — Heritage in Every Stitch
Renowned for her romantic, Filipino-inspired statement wear, Gabbie has built a brand that celebrates local artistry with grace and emotion. Each piece she creates is a tribute to the Filipino identity—delicate, strong, and deeply rooted in culture.

Chris Nick Delos Reyes — The Suit Specialist
A SoFA graduate in Fashion Design and Merchandising, Chris Nick has established a label that redefines modern tailoring. His bold, sleek menswear is a testament to precision, confidence, and contemporary elegance.

Vania Romoff — The Bridal Visionary
Known for timeless silhouettes and feminine grace, Vania Romoff has become a defining figure in Philippine bridal fashion. Her gowns empower women to express beauty on their own terms—romantic yet unapologetically modern.

Leby Le Moria — Texture as a Language
Through layered ridges and voluminous forms, Leby crafts avant-garde creations that tell stories through touch and form. Her work turns fabric into language, and fashion into emotion.

Krizia Jimenez — Details Make the Statement
Merging fashion and accessories into one seamless art form, Krizia’s avant-garde creations prove that the smallest details can make the boldest statements. Her pieces are wearable reflections of thought and experimentation.

Nicolo Perez — Dreamer of Organic Modernity
Founder of Nicolo, he explores nature’s forms—waves, wings, and fluid textures—to craft pieces that are both familiar and otherworldly. His collection Daydreamer captures his signature blend of fantasy and form.

Jilliane Santos — Repurposing with Purpose
Through her label Palengke, Jilliane transforms discarded materials into vibrant statements of sustainability and Filipino ingenuity. Her work echoes the color, creativity, and resilience of everyday Filipino life.

A Testament to SoFA’s Legacy

With twelve of its brightest minds recognized among Vogue Philippines’ 200 Creatives, SoFA Design Institute reaffirms its position as the country’s leading incubator of design excellence. From its classrooms to the global stage, SoFA continues to nurture not only careers, but icons—visionaries who are shaping the next era of Filipino creativity and culture.