LONDON – A Filipino fashion designer and milliner is this year’s winner of the International Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award held in London.

Mich Dulce’s winning proposal is set out to connect British designers with Philippine textile manufacturers to develop new materials and hat designs.

“It's amazing to be recognized for what you do and it's even more amazing to be recognized for a concept, project that would help your country,” Dulce said.

Dulce was part of ABS-CBN's Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition in 2006.

Her handmade hats made of indigenous Filipino materials such as abaca and sinamay set her apart from other finalists, making her win the competition.

“Basically, I want to do 2 things-- to promote the Filipino as creative, and two, to innovate the local craft industry that we have in the country,” she said.

This is the first time the Philippines has won the grand prize. Dulce received the award during the ceremony at London Fashion Week.

“This award is for us. It's not just for me. When I was chosen for this competition, I knew I wanted to do something that would not just benefit me. I wanted to come up with something that is sustainable and not just help myself but help other people as well, increase their business, to create new things, improve technology,” said Dulce.

With the recognition came a prize of 5,000 pounds to develop a collaborative project with the British Council.

But more than the award, Dulce is happy to have the opportunity to see the best of British designs and business practice and also showcase the Filipino talent and indigenous products in the global fashion industry.