Text by Jacqueline Ocegueda. Edited by Editor-in-Chief, Maya Davila.

Buhayin’s NYFW Debut Presentation: ACCESS GRANTED

Published October 1st, 2026

Beyond the noise of neon-lit street festivals and corporate beauty block parties that filled the air of Lower Manhattan on the last Saturday of NYFW, anticipation was building outside Moonzescope Soho. Editors, fashion enthusiasts, and family members alike gathered on September 19th to be grounded by the creative force of New York’s next generation of fashion designers.

Grassroots NYFW events carry such an authentic energy, in comparison to some of the more corporatized happenings our fashion capital has gained a reputation for in recent years. If you are looking for the creative, tenacious spirit the city has always been known for—and want to feel hopeful about the state of the industry—this is where you might like to find yourself.

Attendees of Buhayin’s debut NYFW presentation, ‘ACCESS GRANTED,’ mingled before finding their seats as photographers assembled and conversation resounded through the 3rd floor gallery space. A friend picked out a plum beaded bracelet from the vendor tables dripping with jeweled pieces, made by event organizer and jewelry designer Beatriz Villanueva.

Before the designers sent their collections down the runway, backstage was lively as last-minute details were coordinated. Cascading ruffles, tulle skirts that caught the light and shone like water, and dainty accessories filled the racks. Models had their updos perfected as they glowed with pastel eyeshadows and rosy cheeks.

Backstage photos by Katerina Kallopoulos

After being welcomed in by Jayne Kim, our host for the evening, guests enjoyed a contemporary dance performance by Ombreski Works (duo: Rileigh Timmerman and Eleanor Simmons) before being whisked into the world of the first presenting designer, Gabriel Villos, a senior at Parsons School of Design.

One of his most memorable works was a rich red and gold two-piece set featuring intricate pleatwork; a signature feature of Villos’ designs and a true celebration of his Filipino heritage. This avant-garde workwear look followed an alabaster dress with a red floral motif and touches of sculptural femininity. Beneath layered hems of cloud-like skirts, glimpses of lace and dark chiffon peeked out at us. A particularly charming styling detail was an oversized silver cross pendant worn backwards, emphasizing the deep V-cut in the back of Villos’ final look.

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

Photo by Katerina Kallopoulos

Villos spoke to the roadblocks independent designers face when it comes to the cost of prototyping and sourcing. In the age of AI, it is more important than ever to remain true to the pursuit of real craftsmanship, to prioritize thoughtful design, and to understand the inherent value of the unmistakable human touch.

Much to the surprise of those watching her designs float down the runway, Riley Malea—the following presenter—is completely self-taught. Her curation served as an ode to resilience and pushing through self-doubt.

Coming from an African-American and Filipino background, Malea intimately understands what it means to exist in both cultures and somewhere in between. This dichotomy was explored in her take on a mumu, representing a sense of effortless elegance and completed with amber satin trim. Nods of approval waved through the audience as the final look took center stage: a fitted black bolero and mini skirt look shone with sapphire ruffles that descended from the hip into a train. The look was completed with a pocketful of baby’s breath, a nod from the designer for us all to “touch grass and reconnect with our whimsical side.”

Photo by Katerina Kallopoulos

Photo by Katerina Kallopoulos

Canadian-American designer Lauren Rose Wan told 2LATE that finding a creative community in New York helped her design journey flourish. This is evident in her romantic designs, the first of which featured a playful pair of peach wide-leg pleated trousers with pockets shaped like mini coin purses, complete with repurposed kiss-locks. Wan styled each look using personal accessories that she considered signature to her style. Her next look was a sight to behold: a sculptural look constructed with cream Chinese brocade, intertwining her roots with her love of European art. Tudor slashed sleeves paired with a 3D wire bodice extended out around the bust, framing a brooch that depicted the designer’s inspiration: the women in Botticelli’s painting, “Primavera.” One way this designer creatively overcomes the costs of creation is through recycling old designs to add to new pieces; her stunning take on a timeless bridal look would not exist without the sacrifice of two previous creations that were taken apart and used for material. Today’s league of artists have to get real about keeping themselves afloat while navigating unprecedented economic hardship. Despite this, Wan’s work is truly a testament that these challenges are no match for the tenacity that comes with being aligned with your heart’s purpose.

Photo by Katerina Kallopoulos

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

After a moving poetry reading by Isabella Socci that highlighted the unexpected doors that can open through sharing art, the tone changed as we were graced with an experimental collection of new work by Beatriz Villanueva.

It was a true showstopping moment as a glittering spiderweb-shaped bodychain made its way into view. The chain webbed cape attached delicately at the wrist with matching waist chains, and was met with audible gasps when fully extended by the outstretched arms of the model. The moment itself felt irreplaceable; an answer to the question of why we still go to such lengths for live runway shows. Each element took months to assemble by hand with materials sourced completely second-hand.

Other selected works included Villanueva’s first foray into incorporating fabric into her body jewelry. The result was a stunning ensemble of models that resembled Greek statues draped in intricately beaded headpieces, body chains, and cascading waist jewelry.

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

To close the show, Storm Rosario presented an exploration of the immigrant journey that shaped personal grief into a narrative of renewal. Rosario mapped the cyclical nature of life through the eye of an emotional storm seen in spiral motifs found in her styling and accessories. This collection utilized carefully sourced deadstock material in earthy, mossy greens alongside intricately woven, cream-colored fabric. This was made in collaboration with Ilocano textile artisans, the region of the Philippines where the designer hails from, with color and the signature textile woven through each look. Tailored verdant green jackets held the room’s attention with organic-shaped lantern sleeves beautifully bridging traditional silhouettes with experimental techniques.

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

Photo by Micayla Heron Carroll

This celebration of unified roots and new beginnings in a city made for dreamers was a breath of fresh air. Villanueva shared that it meant the world to be represented among fellow Filipino and Asian designers. The smiles of supporters of her brand and each of the designers’ families warmed the front row; the pride was palpable in the room. A space platforming independent designers may not be easy to create, but it is more worthwhile than ever.

Fashion week doesn’t belong to any one person or entity more than another. At ‘ACCESS GRANTED,’ we are reminded that it can also be an opportunity to rise from the tireless work and grit required of city living and remind ourselves why we continue to show up for ourselves. Buhayin’s first fashion week event proves that we can still build the spaces we’d like to see ourselves in.

Despite what may have been sacrificed along the way to achieve one’s wildest ambitions, the beauty of not giving up is worth celebrating. In Villanueva’s own words at the conclusion of the pamphlet accompaniment: “Just like my mom’s sampaguitas [the national flower of the Philippines], may we all continue to bloom despite our hardships all year round.”

DESIGNERS:

COVERED BY 2LATEMEDIA: 2latemag@gmail.com

SHOW ATTENDED BY: Surmayee Makhija (Socials) and Jackie Ocegueda (Writer)

BUHAYIN CONTACT: tobuhayin@gmail.com

SEE BELOW FOR THE FULL GALLERY FROM ACCESS GRANTED, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2026. BACKSTAGE PHOTOS BY KATERINA & RUNWAY PHOTOS BY MICAYLA.