Freeway anoints National Artist as muse

Few debates are as heated as the kind currently raging over many of Manila’s de rigueur dining spots. No, I’m not talking about Posh Spice’s attempts to outgrow her pixie ‘do (some are saying she’s lost her moxie since the former Brit popstar has sworn off her more extravagant ensembles in lieu of the sedate styles befitting her new title as fashion designer). I’m referring to the Carlo Caparas debacle which has spawned so many heated arguments that few are willing to breath the words “national” and “artist” at a dinner party for fear of having guests turn rabid over the demise of the illustrious award.

Freeway has thrown their hat into the discussion with the debut of their collection commemorating the National Artists of the Philippines.

“It’s perfect timing,” says Freeway’s Sheree Roxas Chua Gotuaco. “With all the controversy surrounding the artist appointments, we want to pay tribute to deserving recipients of the National Artist Awards.”

The label will be featuring the work of celebrated literary figure Nick Joaquin with an eight-piece pocket collection. Poems by the author etched against a backdrop of highly-saturated evocative illustrations serve as the line’s signature. A range of graphic tees, hoodies, woven tops, shirtdresses and — this a first for the label — a graphic tee for men inscribed with the artist’s work will hit stores next week.

“We get to introduce Nick Joaquin to a younger generation who might not be familiar with this great artist’s work,” Sheree says. “Though he passed on a few years ago, the Joaquin family graciously let us share his work with the world.”

The collection is timely for a number of reasons — and not just because of the criticism being launched against the current crop of National Artist awardees. With Tita Cory’s recent demise and Pinoy figures being celebrated at film festivals across the globe, Pinoys are looking for ways to honor their fellow countrymen in the arts.

Respect comes in many forms. In Freeway’s case, a homage in the form of pretty T-shirts to one of the country’s most well-loved poets is a fine way to start.

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E-mail me at jackieoflash@yahoo.com.