70 Designers plus one vision

The annual Manila Fashion Week is considered one of the most much-awaited events since its debut in 1997. Produced by Runway Productions and CalCarrie International Models Philippines under the management and direction of Joey and Audie Espino, the overall objective of Fashion Week is to expose Filipinos to the latest style trends being adopted in the global industry, thereby enriching local fashion sensibilities.

Fashion Week 2003 brought together for the first time the country’s well-respected fashion designers, led by Ben Farrales, dean of Philippine fashion. Other designers who participated were the members of the Filipino Designers Group (FDAP), the Cebu and Davao Designers, plus other talented fashion designers who have won in international competitions.

Can you imagine the 70 fashion designers showing off their creative energy and ingenuity to interpret what was one of the hottest summer seasons?

The gala opening night featured the works of Ben Farrales, Edgar Allan, Eddie Badeo, Mike de la Rosa, Larry Espinosa, Arnold Galang, Nolie Hans, Gerry Katigbak, Ole Morabe, Bobby Novenario, Efren Ocampo, Frederick Peralta, Lito Perez, Barge Ramos, Renee Salud, Edgar San Diego and Lulu Tan Gan.

The Regional Fashion Designers Collection featured Cebu designers Mario Colmenares, Jude Elardo, Junjun Escario, Arcy Gayatin, Oj Hofer, Protacio, Jojo Romoff; Davao designers Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Edgar Buyan, Sherwin Magtulis, Benjie Panizales, Garimon Roferos, Eric Sapaula and Allen Villena.

The Young Avant Garde Collection designers were Ariel Agasang, Avel Bacudio, Edgar Buyan, Kenneth Chua, Lizanne Cua, Melvin Lachica, Tippi Ocampo, Alex Pigao, L.Z. Punzalan, James Reyes, Joey Samson and Mel Vergel de Dios. A special feature of the Adidas "Heritage" collection was interpreted by the participating designers.

The Grand Allure Collection featured the designs of Vic Barba, Alex Bitong, Bong Garcia, Jean Goulbourn, Katrina Goulbourn, Pepsi Herrera, Lyle Ibañez, Marden Iglesias, Peter Lim, Edgar Madamba, Anthony Nocom, Fanny Serrano, Carla Sibal, Edwin Tan and Ernie Uy.