CEBU, Philippines - Today our beloved city of Cebu will accept another honor as ASEAN City of Culture for Creative Industry. And with the burgeoning fashion industry revving up to stratospheric heights, five designers will present their collection tonight at a gala dinner for the dignitaries of ASEAN.
The collections will focus on influences from other cultures that shaped Cebu for what it is today as conceptualized for a gala show by ace director Engr. Junjet Primor. The Milan of Asia where world famous Monique Lhuillier and Kenneth Cobonpue hail from. So here are the featured designers and their collections dubbed Uso sa Sugbu: Foreign Influences in Cebu Fashion —
Oj Hofer (Pintados)
Hindu-Malay Influence
Pre colonial Cebu was a land of mystery. Its inhabitants were called Pintados – the painted ones. This was due to the elaborate tattoos that were painted on their bodies, especially the males. They were signs of remarkable bravery or of social status. On the other hand, the women wore skirts made from abaca fiber with colorful embroidery. Today, the Pintados are honored in fashion mainly through festival costumes.
Jun Escario (Road to China)
Chinese Influence
Chinese silk was one of the most important trades between Cebu and China. The arrival and eventual settlement of the Chinese from the province of Fujen influenced Cebuano culture especially with the inter-marrriages between the locals and the Chinese. They brought with them their distinct fashion statement with bold colors such as red, gold and yellow. Soon after and up till the present, silks and brocades became instant style components in local fashion.
Philip Rodriguez (Estilo Iberico)
Spanish Influence
Spain's more than three centuries of colonization in the Philippines completely transformed the culture of the native Filipinos. A more civilized and sophisticated fashion sense was introduced by the European colonizers. Femininity in fashion was the essence of style as women began wearing the Baro at Saya and the flowing Maria Clara. For the men, particularly at the onset of the 1800s, the Barong Tagalog was the attire of choice during special events.
Arcy Gayatin (America!)
American Influence
The Americans greatly liberated Cebuano fashion. Style became a matter of trend and fashion was greatly influenced by what was seen on film and television. Style, silhouette, fabric, cut – all these became dictated by seasons and what the Cebuanos imbibed in fashion was what the West produced and promoted.
Cary Santigo (Cebu Today!)
The Philippine terno celebrates the Filipina's form nd femininity. With its signature butterfly sleeves and long flowing hemline, the terno has gone through a myriad of artistic reinventions but has always remained to be a sight to behold and the epitome of grace and elegance.
Bravissimo!
Credits: M.A.C.>Models Association of Cebu (0917 6302400)