Designer backs initiative to flaunt Cebu creativity

CEBU, Philippines — World renowned accessory designer Neil Felipp San Pedro supports Cebu’s initiative to hype up its design capability.

San Pedro, a UP Cebu Fine Arts graduate, made a global name after his designer clutch creation, specifically the black Suzy Wong minaudière, was featured in the Hollywood film “Crazy Rich Asians” authored by Kevin Kwan.

San Pedro’s intricate minaudiere captured the creative eye of Kwan, and his creations suddenly became a sensation among the wealthy fashion fanatics around the world.

Just like his mentor in Industrial Design at UP Cebu, the design superstar Kenneth Cobonpue, San Pedro is also supporting Cebu’s move to flaunt its design niche around the world.

In an interview, San Pedro said he is now in discussion with Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Cobonpue for a possible collaboration in opening their showrooms to tourists.

In an earlier interview with Puyat, the tourism chief said Cebu should exploit its design advantage as the province keep on producing world-class talents that bring pride not only to Cebu but the Philippines.

In her recent visit to Cebu, Puyat specifically called on Cebuano designers and exporters to make their showrooms become part of the travel itineraries of tourists.

At present though, San Pedro said he still has to make some face-lift works at his studio to make it much more appealing to tourists.

San Pedro’s piece of minaudière for instance costs P36,000, and the price range could move upward depending on the design and the intricacies that come with it.

Besides, each collection tells a story and its one of a kind.

Puyat said showrooms do not just attract tourists to buy products but also put the country’s rich story on people and culture and its creative distinction to the world.

Cebu could be the lead-province in terms of making showrooms as a tourist attraction as more Cebuanos are making waves in the high-end market.

Aside from Cobonpue and San Pedro, fashion designer Monique Lhuillier brings Cebu to the top-tier world market.

Puyat added that Cebu should leverage its name as the “Creative City” as proclaimed by British Council.