Witness The Skill of Local Brands Dominating at Paris Fashion Week

Seven local fashion designers showcased their distinct collections, highlighting the best in Filipino craftsmanship

Undoubtedly the fashion capital of the world, Paris once again exhibits and explores the newest trends in Fashion Week. This year, the Paris Fashion Week witnessed the growing presence of Philippine brands and designers. Each collection is acclaimed for its quality, craftsmanship, and artisanal value, gaining a foothold in the fashion world across the globe. From band-embroidered fabrics to hand-beaded jewelry, these creations are reaching the interest of the international community, gradually promoting Filipino talent and skill on a greater, grander scale.

Charina Sarte’s latest collection in SPLASH Paris held at Pont Alexandre III.

Mark Bumgarner at his Ritzy Paris showroom, featuring his couture and ready-to-wear collections.

Philippine savoir-faire

The Philippines is no stranger to the world of savoir-faire, the French term for the know-how of creating objects through meticulous use of materials and techniques. Special traditions or expertise create wicker accessories, wooden minaudières, and jewelry by hand through looms and beadwork. The stories behind creating the objects piqued the interest of the international market. Thus, they are now slowly moving away from commercial and consumerist production.

To further promote Filipino fashion, CITEM (The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions) sent seven Filipino delegates to the Paris Fashion Week 2019. They highlighted the incredible skill and talent of the designers and artisans behind their brands. Held at Jardin des Tuileries, the esteemed trade show witnessed the works of Amina, Rosanna, and Becky in ARANAZ, Carissa Cruz-Evangelista in BEATRIZ, Malou Araneta-Romero in JOANIQUE, Len Cabili in FILIP+INNA, Melecio and Rosemarie Oamil in MELE+MARIE, Merriam Batara, and Rita Nazareno in Zacarias 1925. Even designers Mark Bumgarner and Charina Sarte showed their creations at shows across the avenue. They all showcased their collections that received positive feedback from the buyers and press, a sign of the steady rise of Filipino craftsmanship on a global scale.

Read the full story written by Bianca Monzon-Cueva in Lifestyle Asia’s November 2019 edition titled, “Purpose and Philanthropy.”