Bravo to Filipino fashion stalwarts

MANILA, Philippines - The “Filipina, Bravo!” exhibit gets a fitting fashion finale as the Ayala group of companies features prominent and most influential female fashion stalwarts who shape the understanding of fashion as Filipinas appreciate it today.

Bea Zobel Jr. and Sofia Zobel-Elizalde, both advocates and champions of the distinct talent and ingenuity of Filipino fashion designers, are collaborating with fashion designer Inno Sotto who serves as the show’s creative director.

Participating designers include renowned Criselda Lontok, queen of knits Lulu Tan Gan; femme favorite Patrice Ramos-Diaz, silk heiress Katrina Goulbourn; Bonne Bouche’s Michi Calica, Elena Bautista, and Emi Jorge; contemporary and fashion forward designers Tippi Ocampo, Kate Torralba, and Hindy Weber-Tantoco; sophisticated fashion for the working woman from Yvette and Choc Religioso and Arlene Sipat, award wining and British trained Mich Dulce for Myth; supermodel-turned-designer Tweetie de Leon for Myth; acclaimed bag designer and SoFa founder Amina Aranaz; exquisite accessories designers Ana Rocha and Victoria Marin; and pearl excellence from Jewelmer.

Adding an interesting twist to the show is the participation of male designers who took inspiration from iconic women in our history, and interpreted their essence with a touch of today’s contemporary styling.

Vic Barba’s interpretation of Gabriela Silang is one to watch; as well as Jun Escario’s take on Atang de la Rama. Cesar Gaupo reveals his view of Marcella Agoncillo; while younger designers Joel Escober and Francis Libiran create pieces inspired by Pelagia Mendoza and Zeneida Amador respectively. Accessories marvels Arnel Papa and Butch Carungay weave into their works facets of Edith Tiempo and Jovita Fuentes respectively.

Sotto shares, “More often than not, fashion shows miss the point because the people focus too much on the clothes, rather than who they are made for or who inspired it. This show is uniquely different as “Filipina, Bravo!” brings to life through fashion the beauty, talent, and bravery embodied in Filipino Women.

The exhibit and fashion show will be held on April 23, 2010 at Greenbelt 5. The exhibit may then be viewed in the different Ayala Malls on the following dates - Glorietta 4 on May 7-20, Bonifacio High Street on May 21 - June 3, Market!Market on June 4-17, Alabang Town Center on June 18-July 1, Trinoma on July 2-15, Marquee on July 16-29 and in Ayala Center Cebu on August 7-21.