A Philippine fashion brand collaborates with artistic talents to capture the beauty and cultural value of the country’s historical city, Manila.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s October 2023 Issue.
When Roxanne Farillas, the founder of Plains & Prints, once spoke to a Portuguese couple, she came to a jarring realization: the city of Manila is rarely the first place that both tourists and locals want to explore. Though the archipelago’s beaches are undoubtedly world-class, people are often unaware that Manila— even with all its quirks—is just as vibrant a spectacle. The bustling metropolis captures a large portion of the country’s culture and creativity with its eclectic sights, sounds, and experiences.
So, Farillas made it her mission to promote the city’s beauty through the PLAINS & PRINTS | MARK NICDAO| MANILA collection—a series of outfits with designs that pay homage to iconic historical sites through chic, everyday wear. Helping capture these picturesque elements of Manila is the brand’s longtime partner and renowned photographer, Mark Nicdao.
Various Manila agencies and government agencies also took part in the project. What’s more, the new collection marks Manila’s first ever fashion brand collaboration, making it even more groundbreaking.
A LOVE LETTER TO HISTORY AND CULTURE
The grand launch of this historic endeavor was held in none other than the National Museum of Natural History. Esteemed guests gathered to celebrate the cultural milestone, including award-winning actress Anne Curtis, who not only shares a strong partnership with Plains & Prints, but also a deep love for the city where a number of her fi lms were shot. During the launch, Curtis proudly donned pieces from the PLAINS & PRINTS | MARK NICDAO | MANILA collection.
Photographer Marc Nicdao also admired Plains and Prints’ efforts to highlight the city unlike ever before. “I think it’s great that [the brand] had this idea, because it also stretches our awareness, things that we don’t see when we’re around Manila. You can see it, you can wear it. It’s beautiful, it’s elegant,” he explained. The creative brought the historic city closer to audiences as he journeyed through famous landmarks like Rizal Park, the Metropolitan Theater, Intramuros, and the Clock Tower, among many others.
Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia October 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine viaReadly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Photos courtesy of Plains and Prints.
