Fashion for Healing: Filipino designers hold a 'new normal' digital show
The fashion industry has continuously transformed and repurposed its operations to adapt to the ongoing health crisis, from designers producing face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners, to designers creating 'new normal' apparel to help keep people safe and stylish during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New normal apparel by Jor-El Espina featured in Fashion For Healing | Source: JCA Productions
Fashion for Healing
One of the latest innovations in the Filipino fashion industry is the “new normal” digital fashion show titled “Fashion For Healing”.
It is essentially a fashion show that aims to promote Filipino creations - many of which are “new normal” apparel - and encourage fashionistas to “buy Filipino”, in order to help the fashion industry get back on its feet during the pandemic.
GMANetwork.com spoke with live events director and president of JCA Productions, Jackie C. Aquino, and he discussed the inspiring story behind the one-of-a-kind virtual fashion show.
“Fashion is really hit hard (by the pandemic) and with advice from my dearest sisters in the industry; PDI Lifestyle Editor Thelma Sioson San Juan, You Plus CEO Marco Protacio, PR Maven Annie Ringor, Marketing Specialist Pen Roque and Designer Randy Ortiz, we saw the need to rally the local consumers that together with the rest of the country, we can help boost the fashion industry and in turn, a small contribution to the economy.”
“The only platform available is social media. What was once deemed as optional is now fundamental. So, I mobilized my team to call or message designers and ask them to submit their homemade videos of the new normal way of fashion post-quarantine, or just pay homage to our industry. “
“Some called their muses to help, others used body forms and in their own way shot their FB, IG or YouTube ready videos.”
Fashion for Healing Part 2 and Philippine Fashion Coalition
According to Jackie, the digital fashion show was able to successfully find an audience and has given the fashion industry the boost it needs.
In fact, there's already a “Fashion for Healing” part 2 in the works, which will feature creations of designers who are part of the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMph).
The second installment of “Fashion for Healing” hopes to highlight and protect the Filipinos' cultural heritage with the craftsmanship of cultural communities and local artisans.
But, that's not all. Jackie also revealed that with the initiative of fashion entrepreneur Carissa Cruz Evangelista, they are currently in the process of forming the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC).
“PFC is a coalition that aims to unite all sectors of the entire Philippine Fashion industry under one umbrella, with the mission to create a road map of recovery and growth for all, strengthen the mindset of the consumer to Buy Filipino, and create initiatives to help our industry.”
Also part of PFC are designers Amina Aranaz Alunan, JC Buendia and Len Capili; Events Director Robby Carmona and PR and Marketing Specialist Carmina Sanchez Jacob.
Filipino designers who participated in Fashion For Healing | Source: JCA Productions
Healing together
It is indeed inspiring to see Filipino designers and other fashion industry professionals come together to help out one another during this difficult time.
And Jackie shared some encouraging words for people in the fashion industry. He said, “I will always believe in the Filipino. Together we can, and together we will!”
Watch the “Fashion for Healing” digital show below, and don't forget to support local designers.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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