Designers Albert Andrada, Amir Sali and Sophia Manimbo top bill “Perla del Mar de Oriente,” one of the first big Filipino-produced fashion shows to be staged abroad during the pandemic.
By Alex Y. Vergara
Have we started to transition into the so-called “better normal”? It would most likely depend on whom you ask, as each of us have our own definition of what normal as well as what better is.
But if you ask veteran fashion designers Albert Andrada and Amir Sali, as well as their much younger colleague Sophia Manimbo, where we are now, they’re all one in saying that now is as good a time as any to again start reminding the rest of the world of not only how good Filipino designers are, but also how rich the country’s culture and sense of aesthetics have always been by staging a group show in New York City no less.
In a recent press conference at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, the three designers, together with show director Nilo Agustin, gave us a sneak preview of what’s in store for guests who would be trooping to the grand ballroom of the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel on October 15, as the group stages one of the first-ever Filipino-produced fashion shows abroad since the start of the pandemic.
Dubbed as “The Philippines: Perla del Mar de Oriente,” the fashion-slash-cultural show doubles as a charity event, as a portion of the proceeds will go directly to several foundations and programs such as the Manila-based Queen of Hearts Foundation, Jersey City-based “Meals on Wheels,” and the re-roofing of the St. Joseph the Husband of Mary Church in Cabanatuan.
The three designers will be showing a mix of classic as well as new pieces. Sophia, daughter of Marikina-based fashion designer Cora Manimbo, also plans to show a collection of ready-to-wear ensembles made of such indigenous Philippine fabrics as the malong, inabel and inaul.
“We are not following a certain look or peg,” said Albert, who will be showing no less than 15 looks. “Since I’m drawing inspiration from the Philippine sunset and its surrounding elements, my chosen color palette consists of gold, white and various shades of blue.”
“The color palette of my 20-piece collection revolves around white, gold and shades of champagne,” Amir shares. “The collection is unmistakably Filipino, but at the same time globally acceptable.”
Albert is of the same mind. There will be no glut of Filipiniana pieces on stage just because it’s a Filipino-produced event. What they’re bringing with them, he said, is the “Filipino spirit” to everyone who attends the show, regardless of nationality and ethnicity.
Sorry to disappoint hardcore pageant fans as well, but Albert won’t be showing Pia Wurtzbach’s winning royal blue evening gown. After more than seven years since its debut on the Miss Universe stage, the gown’s materials have become a tad fragile.
For her part, Sophia will be presenting a 30-piece collection divided into two segments: ready-to-wear and the Pandanggo series. “Although the fabrics are mostly indigenous to the Philippines, mine is a modernized take on the Filipiniana, including the use of my signature patchwork design,” she said.
A bevy of Philippine and US-based models will participate in the show. The three designers have chosen their own music to accompany their respective collections. Sophia, for instance, has recorded “modern” music by contemporary Filipino musicians using the kulintang.
“The biggest challenge for us to hurdle is the concept,” show director Nilo Agustin shared. “For the nth time, I was thinking that we had to again define what Filipiniana is.”
He need not have bothered, it turned out. Apart from symbolically representing the country’s four main geographical groupings—Albert for the National Capital Region, Sophia for the rest of Luzon, and Amir, a child of Mindanao and the Visayas, for the entire south—each designer has a clear idea of how to move forward in terms of presentation and aesthetics.
In short, they can be as modern and as current as everybody else without leaving their Filipino heritage and sensibilities by the door.
“I won’t be vetting the clothes,” Nilo added. “Since I’ve discussed the entire concept with them, they’re free to choose what to present on the ramp.”
If you ask the designers, specially good friends and contemporaries Albert and Amir, the show—although still a difficult endeavor to pull off because of the distance, expense and existing COVID-19 protocols—is proving to be a source of excitement for everyone in the production.
“For me, what makes it exciting is this will be our first big show in the US since the start of the pandemic,” said Albert.
Taking it a step further, Amir shared: “Albert and I have participated in group shows in the past, but this will be our first show together abroad.”
And the best part perhaps is, the $200-per-plate dinner show is for a good cause.
For inquiries, contact the following: Danny Pagsambugan (551) 689-6873; Kim (0917) 670-6395; Ester (551) 358-4103; Dr. Toto Calderon (845) 253-3237; Zaldy Bayan (732) 259-7865; Mitzie (0928) 520-5088; and Vhess (201) 779-5238
