By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In a celebration of local talent and the country’s rich culinary heritage, the First Couple and former First Lady Imelda Marcos joined Filipino designers, artisans, and fashion enthusiasts in the “Filipiniana: A Celebration of Filipino Fashion Heritage and Craftsmanship” event at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, late Wednesday.
The event highlighted the beauty of traditional Filipino clothing and recognized the creativity, talent, and hard work of Filipino designers and local artisans or craftspeople who help preserve the country’s cultural heritage.
It also kicked off the launch of a book that pays tribute to the creations of featured talents behind the Filipiniana ensemble showcased on mannequins illuminated by floor lamps.
The publication likewise celebrates Filipino fashion that mirrors the country’s distinct national identity and elevates locally-made apparel to the global stage.
Creative director Patrick Rosas said, “I want to show this here to preserve the history, to archive it, and for future generations.”
Fashion designer Paul Cabral shared, “Yung mga Filipino, yung mga artisans natin, nako-continue mo kasi yung tradition. Kasi siyempre kung nakakaedad na yung dating mga gumagawa, dapat maipasa nila para magtuloy-tuloy. Kasi syempre it represents our country. Mula nang umupo siya (FL Araneta-Marcos), parang yung weaving industry, parang nabuhay ulit.”
Fashion designer Michael Leyva noted that, “It is a dream for me as a young designer to be dressing up the First Lady because she’s known to be a woman of simplicity and elegance.”
Altogether, the three fashion aficionados expressed gratitude to the First Couple for breathing new life into local craftsmanship industries, and providing a platform to bring Filipino culture and talent to the world.
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