Recycled trash to couture: What to expect at Sinulid 2019

Gail David’s take on avant-garde dressing

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend, it should be a lifestyle. According to The World Bank, global waste could grow by 70 percent by 2050 if urgent action isn’t taken. The biggest polluter happens be the clothing and textile industry, which is why it’s more important now to be mindful of what we buy. You can also support designers and brands who make unique pieces using repurposed materials and even trash.

This is exactly what graduates of the Fashion Design and Merchandising program of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) have done for their annual showcase, Sinulid. For this year, they were tasked to explore inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability through a three-part series: the prologue, the official exhibit and fashion show, and epilogue.

We got a glimpse of the pieces made by over 50 students during the prologue a few months ago. All of them were also mentored by fashion designers and merchandisers like Andre Chang, Carl Jan Cruz, John Herrera, Chris Diaz, Jerome Salaya Ang, Pinky Tugas, and Joel Escober. There were a mix of pieces for everyday wear, as well as avant-garde ones made from recycled materials.

But from July 17 to 22, the public can finally see their works at an exhibit in SM Aura Premier, as well as a culminating fashion show in Samsung Hall on the 18th. Each student have made pieces under one of these categories: avant-garde, dark, nostalgic, romantic, and street.

Many of the pieces used unconventional materials and details like this old western-inspired gown by Francisque Reyes which has a woven abaca sleeve. The detail reminds us of the chairs in our grandparents’ homes. Iricca Lee also used basket-weaving details for this ballgown-shaped skirt.

Francisque Reyes’ nostalgic dress
Iricca Lee showing us how a Filipina woman would wear a modern ballgown

Sha-Sha Sto. Tomas used plastic to create the shiny surface of her bubble skirt dress.

Highlighter is the only acceptable accessory for this Sha-Sha Sto. Tomas piece

If you’re into eye-catching skirts, Pam Casambros did a modern take with thin wires and flowers. We high-key want this.

Here for this!

Now that we’ve gotten your attention, you can check these out at Sinulid’s exhibit at SM Aura Premier from July 17 to 22, and the fashion show on July 18. Support local designers; support sustainable and ethical fashion.

 

Photos by Miguel Alojaman
Styling by Andre Chang
Assisted by Charles Papa, Jason Danger, and Lei Magluyan

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