Cebu has yet to establish its mark in the fashion industry

CEBU, Philippines - Even with the good potential of local designers, Cebu has not yet established a distinct trademark in the fashion world. It does not have a fabric of its own, and still seeks government support in terms of research and development, an industry player lamented.

Dexter Alazas, a Cebuano fashion designer, said in an interview that there is a need to promote Cebuano collection through its own trademark and fashion identity and boost both the creative and export sectors.

He also noted that the fashion and sewing industry still has not received support from the government for research, fabrication and talent development despite the recognition it brings and the employment opportunities it provides.

“It’s time for Cebu to be recognized. If it’s a priority of the government, there should be an ordinance filed supporting Cebu fashion. There should be funding for fabrication and research. We do not have wardrobe of our own. We do not have raw materials to produce our own,” he expressed.

Alazas, who is also public relations officer of Clothes for Life, an association of fashion designers, stylists, models and make-up artists in Cebu, said there’s a difference between business which is aimed at earning profit from industry that is intended to manufacture raw materials into fabric.

“Yes, the fashion business is booming but is there an industry in such business? In the fashion sense, it refers to raw materials. But do we have an industry as a Cebuano? Do we have a fabric of our own?”Alazas stated.

The Cebuano fashion business is very much alive especially that there is an increasing demand for designer clothes. In fact, Alazas said that Cebu-based designers cater not only to local customers but also to clients from Manila and even in other countries.

“Cebu designers are shining in Manila. They are undeniably penetrating nationwide and globally. Everybody wants to be somebody and try to become a better designer than before,” he said.

A fashion designer since 1994, Alazas considers fashion as his passion and describes his profession as fairly profitable, and personally satisfying.

He has a shop at East Capitol Site, Cebu City where he designs wedding gowns, dresses for birthdays and other special occasions, uniforms for employees, and ready-to-wear clothes for all market segments.

Apart from his career as a designer, he is also into scene styling, fashion and party concept and direction. (FREEMAN)