Local fashion shows aren’t anything new. But in an attempt to break the mold when it comes to how we usually stage Fashion Week, Manila Fashion Festival (MFF) comes back to slay the runways for the third time. This time around, it is their biggest show to date: four days and 31 fashion designers.
The biannual show constantly challenges its show format. On its debut run, we were treated to a 360-degree runway show with surround sound and LED screens. For the second season, portfolio reviews and style talks were held But third time’s the charm, they say. For its spring/summer 2016 show, we’ll get to see the different trajectories in today’s fashion scene. You’ve got pillars of fashion design like Randy Ortiz and Avel Bacudio on one hand, and young, emerging ones like Tony Evan and Esme Palaganas on the other.
“MFF is vital, especially for designers like me with a particular target market. [The show] does not only give me a platform to showcase my work,[but] it also gives me some sort of street cred and prestige to my brand,” says Tony.
MFF’s selection committee implements a strict process on screening which designers get to show. And this same process applies even to famed designers. “I am very thankful that they have noticed my potential. They support young designers and they give the best platform for what we can do as designers,” shares upcoming designer Cheetah Rivera, who returns for her second show on the MFF runways.
Some designers like John Herrera accepted to jump ship from Philippine Fashion Week to MFF. “This is my second time to join Manila Fashion Festival and I like showing here because of the vision behind it. Sustainable [and] wearable fashion is the main thrust of the organization and I feel that’s what the fashion industry needs,” he says.
Though MFF is now one of the most sought-after industry events locally, and they’re not in it for the hype. Ronnie Cruz, chief executive officer of Art Personas, Inc., the company behind the festival, says, “We are not about putting up a show. [It’s] about creating possibilities [for] all great fashion talents in the Philippines.”
Out of all those who will show in the next few days, Preen handpicks some of the collections to definitely watch out for. This season showcases the full spectrum of their design mastery and process. You’ve got the freewheeling aesthetic of romantic designers like Jaz Cerezo and Anthony Ramirez, along with the cunning and laser sharp designs of Banggo Niu and Mark Bumgarner. As the show starts today, we are nothing but excited to see the full range.
See Preen’s full list of collections to watch out for in our fashion editorial above!
Photos by Rxandy Capinpin
Styling by Randz Manucom
Makeup by Bernard Saligao of Art Personas
Hair by Ja Feliciano
Modeled by Mabelle of Art Personas
Manila Fashion Festival starts today until Oct. 25 at The Eye, 4/F Green Sun, 2258 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. For more information, visit their website.