Nine Filipino Designers Bring Their Dreams to Dubai Runway Through Aaronic Atelier

Dubai-based Filipino fashion label Aaronic Atelier brought together nine aspiring designers from the Philippines for its collection, “The Thread of Dreams,” showcased at Fashion Factor Season 15.

Dubai-based Filipino fashion label Aaronic Atelier showcased the work of nine aspiring designers from the Philippines at Fashion Factor Season 15, one of the largest international private fashion shows and lifestyle events held in Dubai, turning sketches developed across different parts of the country into runway creations.

Led by twin brothers Aaron Cadenas and Ahquiben “Ahqui” Cadenas, the collection, titled “The Thread of Dreams,” grew out of connections Aaron made with young Filipino designers through social media livestreams, representing communities across the Philippines, including Taguig, Bicol, Negros, Cavite, Sarangani, General Santos, Dipolog and Iligan.

Held from October 9-11, 2026, under the theme “The Destination,” Aaronic Atelier brought the individual designs together into a collection intended to give emerging creatives an opportunity to showcase their work internationally. What began as informal conversations eventually developed into a collaboration, with the designers invited to contribute sketches inspired by Aaron’s initial concept.

“This is my 13th time participating in Fashion Factor,” Aaron said in a video interview posted on Instagram. “What makes this collection different from our previous ones is that this time, we are working with talented young fashion designers from the Philippines.”

“I think that is the essence of our participation in this show. We want to demonstrate how we are bringing together different talents and designers, weaving their different designs into one collection while showcasing their creativity,” he added, saying the preparation took around two months.

The participating designers were Ian Brunio, Christian Dave Englis, Reynold John Guerrero, Loise Janapin, Jeri David, Rommel Rubin, Christian Eycer Garcia, Jan Manlangit and Clyde Estoconing. 

Ahqui recalled watching the young designers develop their sketches and later seeing their ideas transformed into finished garments, describing the experience as rewarding. “There is so much love involved,” he said. “So much love in the sense that you have the opportunity to help them because there are so many young people who have dreams.”

Beyond the runway, the brothers hope to continue providing opportunities for emerging Filipino designers who may lack the resources or platforms to showcase their talent.

“Dubai also provides many opportunities for different kinds of designers. So I want to pursue this and continue doing it. I have been given the opportunity to serve as a vessel for these young designers, helping them showcase their creations on a major runway,” Aaron said. “Again, it’s not just about Ahqui and me. It’s about the young Filipino designers who truly inspire us.”

The collection also featured finale model Cindy Cinco, whose journey from aspiring model to influencer reflected its wider message of pursuing ambitions and supporting others.