The Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines (or FDCP) presented an updated, 2011 version of its prestigious Philippine Fashion Design Competition around three months ago, on June 28, over a Filipino lunch at Martini Bar in Mandarin Oriental. The theme of the competition was titled “Weaving the Future”, and focused on encouraging future designers, in both apparel and accessories, to utilize local weaves and materials in their competition designs.
Now, the Philippine Fashion Design Competition is especially close to my heart because it was the first and only fashion competition I ever participated in. That was back in 1999, when winners were chosen to represent the Philippines in the Concours International des Jeunes Createurs de Mode in Paris, France, and I was lucky enough to have been chosen along with Mario Rotersos, Dennis Lustico, Alex Pigao and Dong Omaga-Diaz (who was the grand prize winner that year).
This year though, unlike FDCP’s past Philippine Fashion Design Competitions, the 2011 version focuses on a more socially-conscious and environmentally sustainable design vision. “Weaving the Future” aims to develop the local fashion design industry into a more integrated industry that discovers and nurtures new design talents, while benefiting the local weavers and textile industries as well.
A mini fashion show with modern Filipino designs by FDCP members and past Philippine Fashion Design Competition winners using local weaves like piña, jusi, abaca, etc. was presented to the press, along with “Weaving The Future” ambassadors Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Mons Romulo.
The “Weaving the Future” competition is comprised of several stages, the first of which required applicants to submit design entries (three design entries of a 3-5 piece mini collection for apparel, and three design entries of a single piece for accessories/ home decor). Applicants were also asked to submit a developmental business plan that includes materials used, positive impact on the community, projected profits, etc. The aim is to develop designers who are not only talented, but who are aware of the social and environmental impact of their designs.
The 10 design finalists for APPAREL are:
1. Benjie Pascual Alvarez
2. Concordio Sison Sajorda, Jr.
3. Genesis Bundalian Alcantara
4. Harold Victor Galgala Dominguez
5. Marian Villanueva Andrada
6. Mark Archibal Cagadoc Tamayo
7. Nino Dominic Melo Angeles
8. Noelle Marfori Llave
9. Pristine Joyce Silao De Guzman
10. Roland Rense Hernandez Alzate
The 10 design finalists for ACCESSORIES are:
1. Adante Landicho Leyesa
2. Chynna Roxanne Rosejos Gonzalez
3. Earl Carlo Patano Gariando
4. Heidrun Milan
5. Joseph Paul Quismorio Villarosa
6. Kristal Leen dela Cruz de Guzman
7. Maria Esperanza Victoria Bautista Balingit
8. Mark Archibal Cagadoc Tamayo
9. Roselyn Cabalang Fortus
10. Wanda Trixi Panopio Bandojo
This Monday, September 19, from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, FDCP is presenting its top 20 design finalists (top 10 for fashion and top ten for accessories) at the Jump Center, 4th Floor, Mega Mall. To all fashionistas, fashion editors, fashion designers, fashion bloggers and fashion-lovers, please come and give your support to the future of Philippine fashion! See you all there 🙂
