Elevating Filipino Talent to the Global Stage: The 2025 Asia Pacific Design Competition
Filipino creativity has long made waves on the global design scene—and now, a rare opportunity beckons emerging designers to shine internationally. The 2025 Asia Pacific Design Competition, presented by Poltrona Frau in partnership with Furnitalia, is a celebration of refined Italian craftsmanship and timeless design. It’s also a gateway for Filipino talent to gain international recognition. The ultimate prize? Showcasing your work at Milan Design Week 2027.
A Legacy of Design and Craftsmanship
Since its inception in 1912, Poltrona Frau has embodied excellence in furniture design, masterfully blending traditional Italian techniques with modern innovation. The brand further solidified its reputation with initiatives like the 2015 FRAU AWARD Taiwan Design Competition, celebrating Eastern creativity on a global scale. The first prize-winning design, Ming’s Heart by Shi-Chieh Lu, beautifully
fused Eastern and Western styles and was highly appreciated by consumers around the world.
In 2025, the competition expands its scope across the Asia Pacific region—providing Filipino designers a stage to elevate their work and build a global reputation.
The Competition at a Glance
The 2025 Asia Pacific International Design Competition is an initiative driven by Poltrona Frau in collaboration with EU-CHAIN Taiwan. It calls on designers from the region to reimagine the brand’s next iconic armchair using leather—a tribute to its signature material and century-long commitment to superior craftsmanship. The theme, Design Poltrona Frau’s Next Icon, challenges participants to blend tradition with modern creative impulses.
Mechanics and Eligibility
The competition’s framework is designed to nurture and identify breakthrough design talent.
Who Can Enter:
Open to designers from the entire Asia Pacific region, including the Philippines, the contest encourages fresh ideas and diverse cultural narratives.
Design Brief:
Participants are invited to create an armchair that not only functions as a piece of furniture but also stands as a work of art, echoing Poltrona Frau’s legacy. The design should primarily employ leather, underscoring the material’s association with quality and luxury.
Timeline:
Registration Period: March 1 – June 30, 2025
Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025
Preliminary Judging: July 15 – September 15, 2025
Final Selection: November to early December 2025
Showcase: April 2027 at Milan Design Week
What’s at Stake
For Filipino designers, the stakes could not be higher. The winning design will be manufactured and launched globally by Poltrona Frau, paving the way for international acclaim. With the opportunity to present your work at Milan Design Week 2027—one of the most prestigious design events in the world—the competition offers unparalleled recognition. Along with this, the winning entry will earn the coveted “Champion’s Exclusive Glory Nameplate,” symbolizing excellence in design and craftsmanship.
The Esteemed Judging Panel
The credibility of the competition is underscored by a distinguished panel of judges. Industry stalwarts including Italian designer Roberto Lazzeroni, architect Michele De Lucchi, representatives from AB Concept, and Foster + Partners provide global perspectives on design excellence.
Key decision-makers from Poltrona Frau’s global headquarters, such as CEO Nicola Coropulis, the Director of Global Marketing, and several vice presidents, ensure that each entry reflects the brand’s storied heritage and visionary future.
How to Join
Aspiring designers eager to elevate their careers onto the global stage should begin by visiting the official competition website at https://pftaiwan.com/home/. On the site, you’ll find a comprehensive digital kit complete with guidelines, templates, and image/video assets to help you craft your submission. Remember, all entries must be in by June 30, 2025, so be sure to refine your innovative concepts well in advance.
A Call to Filipino Designers
The 2025 Asia Pacific Design Competition is your chance to join a legacy of design excellence, positioning Filipino talent for international success. This competition is an invitation to transform your creative vision into a design that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global masterpieces. Embrace the challenge, showcase your innovative spirit, and let your design shine on the world stage at Milan Design Week 2027.
Visit https://pftaiwan.com/home/ now to learn more and start your journey towards international recognition.
Images by Poltrona Frau.
