Featured on the cover of Lifestyle Asia’s October issue of Alpha, this renowned designer will be showcasing her work at tomorrow’s much awaited Red Charity Gala.
This year’s Red Charity Gala is taking place on October 22, 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort. The 13th edition of the highly anticipated charity fashion event will feature the work of renowned Filipino designer Lulu Tan-Gan.
Her “Farm-to-Fashion” philosophy highlights the beauty and versatility of our local piña fabric. In her latest collection, “Crafting Fashion,” Tan-Gan reimagines the fabric as a luxurious material.
READ ALSO: A Tapestry Of Change: Lulu Tan-Gan On Crafting Fashion For Social And Cultural Impact
The Designer’s Craft
“Piña is a luxury material because of all the handwork that is put into it,” she explains. Made from pineapple leaf fibers and woven using a handloom, the fabric has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO.
Championing sustainability through her craft, Tan-Gan sourced the plant-based materials from generations of indigenous weavers located in Visayas. She then expands on the design possibilities of piña, adding colors from natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric and Sapang.
The designer uses the fabric in a variety of handcrafted clothing such as blouses, dresses, boleros, caftans, jackets, capes, and coats. “I mostly engage with piña throughout the cutting process, where I love the crisp sound it makes while cutting,” Tan-Gan adds.
“As I lay out the pattern, my design often evolves. I may lengthen, widen, or reshape it. I’m also mindful of ensuring that no inch of the weave is wasted throughout the design and cutting process.”
Uniting the diverse heritage from all over the Philippines, Tan-Gan’s designs also feature the Kalinga motif from the Ifugaos and Mandaya print from Mindanao along with the piña weaves from the Visayas.
Championing Filipino Designers
Like many other Filipino designers, Tan-Gan acknowledges the Red Charity Gala as a platform that champions local clothing, resources, and heritage.
As the country’s premier charity fashion event, the gala has provided opportunities for local designers to showcase their talents for over 12 years.
Past featured designers include Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, Ezra Santos, Jojie Lloren, Lesley Mobo, Chito Vijandre, Joey Samson, Rajo Laurel, and Ivarluski Aseron.
Tan-Gan is officially the event’s first-ever female couturier. The show, presented by Bench, is also spearheaded by fellow Lifestyle Asia cover girls Tessa Prieto and Kaye Tinga.
Over the years, the charity event has supported organizations such as the Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation, The Philippine Red Cross, and the Hope for Lupus Foundation, building awareness and providing support to those battling the disease.
Banner image courtesy of Red Charity Gala.
