The world of Philippine fashion is a platform of emerging talents. This season, the local industry is full of excitement as the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines recently presented the finalists of “Weaving the Future,” a design competition aimed at discovering and developing fresh talent. The noteworthy competition also aims to support livelihood projects of different communities for fashion. This endeavor is a noble effort in promoting talent and indigenous materials in the fashion industry.
There are two design categories for “Weaving the Future” Apparel and Accessories.
The finalists for the Apparel division are Benjie Pascual Alvarez, Concordio Sison Sajorda Jr., Genesis Bundalian Alcantara, Harold Victor Galgala Dominguez, Marian Villanueva Andrada, Mark Archibal Cagadoc Tamayo, Nino Dominic Melo Angeles, Noelle Marfori Llave, Pristine Joyce Silao de Guzman and Roland Rense Hernandez Alzate.
For the Accessories division, the finalists are Adante Landicho Leyesa, Chynna Roxanne Rosejos Gonzalez, Earl Carlo Patano Gariando, Heidrun Milan, Joseph Paul Quismorio Villarosa, Kristal Leen dela Cruz de Guzman, Maria Esperanza Victoria Bautista Balingit, Mark Archibal Cagadoc Tamayo, Roselyn Cabalang Fortus and Wanda Trixi Panopio Bandojo.
The FDCP is composed of the country’s brilliant designers namely Edwin Ao, Ivarluski Aseron, PJ Aranador, Avel Bacudio, Vittorio Barba, JC Buendia, Joey Enriquez, Ramon Esteban, Arcy Gayatin, Len Nepomuceno-Guiao, Oj Hofer, Gerry Katigbak, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Anthony Nocom, Tippi Ocampo, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Joey Samson, Hindy Weber-Tantoco, Jerome Ang, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Joel Escober, Gerry Sunga and Cary Santiago. Members of the advisory board are Lulu Tan Gan, Josie Natori and Cesar Gaupo.
Once again, Philippine fashion is ready to welcome the next wave of talents in the field of design as they present a glimpse of what’s next in the future. Moving forward, the new breed of designers are bringing a whole new sense of optimism and energy to the local industry. Finally, significant attention in building and supporting livelihood is no longer left unnoticed.
(Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition is presented by FDCP together with PAGCOR, in cooperation with benchPINOYlab, SM and The School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA). It is powered by PLDT MyDSL and Smart. The finals night will be on Nov. 22 at the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Parañaque City.)