‘We’re pushing the envelope’

That’s how fashion icon and designer Josie Natori described the designs of the artists who showcased their work at the recent Manila FAME, Asia’s Design and Lifestyle Event. Josie curated “Manila Wear,” which has been part of Manila FAME since March 2012.

Manila Wear, a program of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) under dynamic executive director Rosvi Gaetos, is a proponent of unique fashion pieces that carry the official country brand. CITEM is the export-marketing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Rosvi adds, “We showcased extraordinary products and exciting show features in the 58th edition of Manila FAME. Showcasing Philippine craftsmanship has always been the foundation of Manila FAME; it has always sparked global interest because of the innate talent and ingenuity of Filipino craftsmen.”

Rosvi knows whereof she speaks. There has been a 230-percent increase in new foreign buyers and a 160-percent increase in new local buyers in Manila FAME from October 2012 to October 2013.

I say Filipino talent is going to keep the economy not only afloat but also moving forward.

“We are evolving Manila FAME to be a show of Philippine brands for exports. We have started with 12 companies, which we market tested in Milan and Paris,” says Rosvi. “This year, Manila FAME likewise embraced Asia through DeXign Global to establish its leadership in design in preparation for the ASEAN Expo in 2015.”

Now on its third decade, Manila FAME continues to offer high-quality export products in furniture and furnishings, holiday gifts and décor, and fashion, all designed, developed, and manufactured in the Philippines.

I toured the Manila Wear exhibit last Friday and was bedazzled by the unique designs, materials and craftsmanship of the products.

“I think it’s time that the world knows about the creativity and the wonderful products they can get from Philippine designers,” Josie says proudly. She is Exhibit A of the truth that Filipino designers are brilliant.  She made a Philippine-made embroidered blouse the prototype for her line of lingerie that would later spawn the Natori line of casuals, formals, home accents and fragrances, selling to upscale US department stores and at least 15 other countries worldwide.

Now on its second year, Manila Wear, through Manila FAME, continues to uphold artisanal fashion through a special setting that underscores the use of the country’s abundant natural materials.

Designer Len Cabili, for one, uses fabric from indigenous tribes and then beads and embroiders them. These products under the Filip + Inna label sell very well abroad, especially in Palm Beach, Florida, playground of the rich and famous. Among Len’s long-time clients are Weng Domingo, wife of Trade and Industry Secretary Greg Domingo, and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Arnel Papa, another featured Manila Wear designer, won “Best Accessory Designer”  in Hong Kong last Sept. 25, together with a few other Filipino artists.

Ken Samudio’s accessories evoke the fiesta culture of Filipinos.

“The pieces in my collection are inspired by the colorful Pahiyas festival in Quezon where my mom hails from. Josie Natori wanted me to do a collection for Manila Wear that celebrates the beauty and culture of the Philippines through a collection with a resort feel. The collection is all hand-stitched with colorful cotton thread on leather and made modern with a sprinkling of Swarovski crystals,” Ken elaborates.

Among the other designers featured at Manila Wear were Happy Andrada, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Jun Artajo, JC Buendia, Carissa Cruz-Evangelista, Lally Dizon, Joel Escober, Emi Jorge, Natalya Lagdameo, Adante Leyesa, Dennis Lustico, Joyce Makitalo, Arnel Papa, Malou Romero, Anne Marie Saguil and Nicole Whisenhunt.

Gaining votes of confidence and raised growth forecasts from global financial institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Goldman Sachs, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and Singapore-based DBS Bank Ltd., the Philippines maintains its robust economic rally with steady inflow of trade and investment prospects from local and foreign investors.

“The economy’s consistent performance provides a brighter outlook for our local industries. We intend to continue this vigorous rally by continuing to position the country, through Manila FAME, as the top-of-mind sourcing destination as well as the region’s creative hub,” Rosvi adds.

A tall order, but definitely one the Pinoy can fulfill!

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