Manila Fame brings in top design authorities

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Fame opens on Oct. 17 at the SMX Convention Center with the finest wares and wears in four days of the country’s celebration of craft, creativity, and artisanship.

Now on its 57th edition, Manila  Fame is home to top-of-the-line, export-quality products in furnishing and fashion proudly made in the Philippines. With the partnership of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and internationally renowned fashion designer Josie Natori, Manila Fame’s Manila Wear aims to set the tone and tendencies for international tropical and resort wear, with that distinct Filipino flair. Manila Wear puts the spotlight on the industry’s top as well as young, promising fashion designers, using native materials, heirloom techniques, and indigenous craftsmanship.

The March 2013 edition of Manila Wear captured the interest of the world’s greatest tastemakers so much that it is the highlight of this season’s Manila Fame. Britain’s well-respected fashion scribe Collin McDowell topbills this October’s roster of exceptional international guests.

McDowell, once the senior fashion writer for the London Sunday Times Style Magazine, is one of the leading authorities in British fashion, shaping the careers of designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. In 2004, in a partnership with IMG, McDowell unveiled Fashion Fringe, London’s platform for generating the international commercial careers of young London fashion talents. This led to the discovery of such talents as Basso and Brooke, Erdem, Aminaka Wilmont and Eun Jeong. For his noteworthy efforts in nurturing British fashion and style, McDowell was appointed MBE by the Queen in 2008.

McDowell will give talks and lectures hosted by CITEM as well as the School of Fashion and the Arts. He will also meet with various ASEAN and Filipino designers, visit the ateliers of renowned Filipino fashion and jewelry designers Cesar Gaupo, Rajo Laurel, Arnel Papa, Bea Valdez and Jewelmer, as well as lend his fashion reportage expertise to various media outfits and publications.

Another distinguished guest is international trendsetter Nikki Rowntree. With 25 years of experience in fashion and lifestyle marketing, Rowntree has lent her aesthetic prowess to publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Mirabella and Wallpaper. Having started her own consultancy in 1992, Rowntree has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industries of Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and the UK, being a valuable consultant to the various government agencies of these countries. She is especially interested in projects that support new talent and emerging markets, and this penchant, as well as some golden pointers from her plush experience, are set to lead to new and exciting directions for the Philippine fashion industry starting this October’s Manila Fame.

Manila Fame will be held on Oct. 17 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.