Philippine MSMEs shine at NYC holiday press event

Posted: September 25, 2025

A collage showcasing Filipino craftsmanship: three woven handbags from Likha in white, black-and-white checkered, and beige with hexagonal handles; three pineapple-shaped woven handbags from Zarah Juan in purple, pink, and beige with gold clasps; and a pair of slip-on shoes from Jhaz Footwear featuring colorful floral embroidery on a white base.

New York City, USA— Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in fashion and home take center stage today at the Accessories Council Holiday Press Event, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in Manhattan. The annual showcase brings together leading brands, designers, and manufacturers to present their latest collections to journalists, editors, influencers, and buyers ahead of the holiday season.

Supported by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in New York (PTIC-NY) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippines’ inaugural participation at the event spotlights seven emerging Filipino brands that embody the country’s creativity, heritage, and craftsmanship:

  • Jed Yabut Design & Furniture – Handcrafted rattan furniture blending organic textures with minimalist forms.
  • ZARAH JUAN – Fashion accessories that empower communities while celebrating tradition and innovation.
  • AUREA – Elegant jewelry crafted from Fine Bone China, combining Filipino artistry with timeless design.
  • Piesa – Bold wire jewelry that celebrates individuality and Filipino heritage.
  • Farah Abu Fashion Accessories – Sophisticated handcrafted pieces supporting social causes and women’s empowerment.
  • Jhaz Footwear – Handmade shoes from Laguna, combining style, durability, and purpose.
  • LIKHA – U.S.-based lifestyle brand fusing traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary design. Its collaborations with artisans produce sustainable accessories that honor culture and innovation.

A collage of Filipino fashion and home products featured at the Accessories Council Holiday Press Event in New York: floral earrings with white petals and pearl accents from Farah Abu Fashion Accessories; a gold chain necklace with white beads from Aurea; a round gold-framed mirror from Jed Yabut Design & Furniture; and red knotted earrings with gold tops from Piesa, all showcasing Philippine craftsmanship and creativity.

Hosted by one of the longest-standing non-profit trade associations in the global fashion accessories industry—the Accessories Council—this event serves as a premier platform for generating holiday buzz, securing media coverage, and forging meaningful industry connections.

In addition to today’s onsite event, these brands will also be featured in the Accessories Council’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, set for release in October 2025, further amplifying their exposure to U.S. consumers and industry leaders.

“We are proud to present these Philippine brands that embody creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship,” Alma Argayoso, Philippine Trade Commissioner in New York said. “Events like the Holiday Press Event allow us to connect our MSMEs with global buyers, media, and influencers—helping position Filipino talent on the world stage while opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”

PTIC-NY continues to champion Philippine MSMEs by promoting Filipino talent, innovation, and heritage in the global marketplace.

About PTIC-NY

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center – New York (PTIC-NY) is the representative office of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. PTIC-NY connects buyers and investors with their counterparts and promotes the initiatives of the DTI, particularly in trade promotion, investment promotion, and trade policy negotiations.

Follow PTIC-NY on Instagram: @dti.nyc

Media Contact:
Alanis Anne Pascual
Trade Assistant
Philippine Trade and Investment Center – New York
[email protected]; +1 (212) 575 7925 ♦

Date of Release: 17 September 2025