“Cebu is the country’s capital for costume jewelry industry,” declared Janet Chua, Cebu Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (FAME) Foundation president. Therefore, it is only fitting for Cebu to host the first ever trade-only exhibition of extensive collection of fashion accessories that puts emphasis on the eco-fashion theme.
Bijoux Cebu (Bijoux is the French term for “jewels”) highlights the Filipino’s ingenuity when it comes to creating world-class jewelry and accessories. The three-day trade show will showcase the Filipino’s craftsmanship in creating eco-friendly products for the Spring-Summer 2009 Collection. Set in a five-star hotel/resort – in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa’s The Marquee, Bijoux Cebu will have fashion shows, design competitions, product demonstrations, factory visits and a cash and carry area where buyers can purchase ready stocks at discounted rates. Event chairman, jewelry designer par exellance Butch Carungay, however, points out that Bijoux Cebu does not only promotes the industry’s finest produce but is also selling the experience – the exhibit in this side of the world where one can immediately enjoy Cebu’s sun, sky and sea (since the venue is a resort in itself) and experiencing Filipino’s warm hospitality.
Eco-Friendly
Green is the new black. Eco-friendly products and policies have become essential in today’s business model. The use of wood beads rather than plastic beads is evident in the products from Cebu. Moreover, the rising trend, the Eco-Chic, is a collection developed by FAME Cebu in answer to the growing need to protect and preserve our natural resources.
“The trends are towards responsible fashion industry,” says lifestyle designer PJ Arañador. The use of organic materials is perhaps one of the biggest breakthroughs in the industry. “The Philippines is the leading supplier of natural raw materials. It is Asia’s destination for green jewelry. We have become responsible on how we utilize our resources,” added Arañador.
The Bijoux Cebu interprets the fashion trends from the fashion headquarters, Paris and Milan. Materials such as wood, wood derivatives, seeds, stones, pearls, fossils, fiber, among others, will surely be on the spot during the fashion shows – top style/haute couture, casual accessories, bag show, foot wear, women’s resort jewelry show and men’s resort show. Models will be donning Cebu’s top designers’ creations, plus they will also be wearing accessories/jewelry from the FAME Foundation Cebu to complete the ensembles.
Over 52 exhibitors from the country, and 80 buyers have confirmed to participate in Bijoux Cebu come September 20-22, 2008. For more details, one may visit Bijoux Cebu website at www.bijouxcebu.com. The Secretariat may be reached at telephone numbers +6332 2550851 or 2550861, or through e-mail at [email protected].
