Filipina designer named semi-finalist for international design award
Mara San Pedro | CONTRIBUTED
At the crossroads of culture and consciousness, a young Filipina designer is redefining what it means to dress with purpose.
A student of Fashion Design Technology at the London College of Fashion, Mara San Pedro has been announced as one of the semi-finalists in the 2025 Redress Design Award, which is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world for sustainable fashion innovators.
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Competing against international designers from 48 countries, including the United States and Canada, San Pedro carved her place on the global stage by weaving the narrative of her heritage directly into her garments.
Her submission mixes contemporary silhouettes with traditional Filipino textiles which pays homage to homegrown craftsmanship while reimagining it for the future.
In her own words, “Sustainability doesn’t sacrifice the design process, but instead enhances it.”
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And that mindset comes through in every stitch of her garments and some of her works can be accessed through her Instagram page. She reimagines tradition by working with woven Inabel blankets, old linens and fluid drapes. Her pieces also incorporate native handwoven fabrics, such as piña (made from pineapple leaf fibers) and abaca silk, both of which are sustainable and emblematic of Filipino craftsmanship.
More than just a design competition, the Redress Design Award is a gateway into a global sustainability movement. Each year, it handpicks designers not just for their skill but for their vision – those bold enough to tackle the fashion industry’s waste problem head-on.
Semi-finalists like San Pedro gain lifetime access to the Redress Alumni Network, joining 330+ past participants from 40 countries. Alumni have gone on to create pieces for superstars like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Korean singer-songwriter Sunmi.
In September, 10 finalists will head to Hong Kong for a hands-on educational experience and a chance to compete for the top prize: a development grant of HK$50,000 (roughly US$6,400).
