Manila Wear 2014

Why Manila Wear? One of the more relevant issues of Philippine fashion is design translation into the contemporary. Culture and tradition is reinvented and transformed into modern creations fitting for the times.  This branding initiative aimed to position the industry in the global resort/tropical market is a visionary  step in showcasing local artistry at its best.  Lead by international fashion icon Josie Natori, it umbrellas the countries more established and seasoned designers in showcasing artisanal creations made from fusion of both basic and Philippine materials. A reflection of the beauty of Filipino talent and sensibilities, the insightful movement is a progressive and optimistic approach on style relevance in the local industry. This collective of outstanding artists aims to present masterpieces defining the current  nowness of style individuality and more significantly promoting cultural preservation. Manila wear is fashion forward with a strong design statement of better things to come.

Rhett Eala.

Rhett Eala.

Avel Bacudio.

Avel Bacudio.

Ivar Aseron.

Ivar Aseron.

JC Buendia.

JC Buendia.

Cesar Gaupo.

Cesar Gaupo.

Rajo Laurel.

Rajo Laurel.

Dennis Lustico.

Dennis Lustico.

Randy Ortiz.

Randy Ortiz.

Lulu Tan Gan.

Lulu Tan Gan.

Check out Fashion Philippines' Manila Wear's last day of exhibition at the 60th Manila FAME Level 2 SMX Convention Center, Metro Manila.

A different kind of weave

Last week the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines announced the finalists in both accessories and RTW for their "Weaving the Future" design competition held at JUMP--the new hub at the 4F SM Megamall.  Philippine fashion goes beyond all that flash as it steers towards developing consciousness in the style landscape by integrating the building of livelihood for fashion and supporting these communities.  Through these efforts, promotion of both talent and indigenous materials are achieved so as to support their significance and relevance to the future of local fashion.  Hand in hand, the event was graced by both media and fashion insiders to further this noble endeavor.  The bigger picture here is really for the industry to collectively work as one team in the hopes of building a brighter future for artists, suppliers, communities in the world of Philippine fashion.  And yes, fashion does have a cause.

The venue.

The crowd.

Fashion designer's Ivarluski Aseron and Tippie Ocampo with Stylebible's Isha Andaya.

Fashion stylist/director Lotho.

Style Weekend EIC Liza Ilarde Cuenca and Look magazine's EIC Mel Cuevas.

Designer Vic Barba.

Designer's Avel Bacudio and Randy Ortiz.

FDCP President JC Buendia.

Crowd control.

SOFA's Amina Aranaz Alunan gives a short talk.

The twenty finalists in both RTW and Accessories categories with FDCP President JC Buendia and Amina Aranaz Alunan.

The Fashion Design Council of the Philippines(from left) Randy Oritz, Joey Escober, Gerry Katigbak, Tippie Ocampo, Amina Aranaz Alunan, JC Beundia, Tonichi Nocom, Dong Omaga Diaz, Vic Barba, Gerry Sunga, Avel Bacudio and Ramon Esteban.

Picture Play with designer Ivar Aseron, Look magazine's Mel Cuevas, designer Tonich Nocom, the author and  Style Weekend's Liza Ilarde Cuenca.

The author in a printed blazer by Joey Samson, v-neck top by Uniqlo, pants
 by Zara, glasses by Firma, shoes by Margiela and convertible tote by Celine.