Wide-brimmed hats, jeepney folk art at Dutch-Filipino Fashion Exchange

Wide-brimmed hats, jeepney folk art, and the color of the sea were on the spotlight at the Dutch-Filipino Fashion Exchange on Thursday at the New World Hotel in Makati City. 

Six fashion designers took inspiration from the 65 years of diplomatic relations and 150 years of consular ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands to create a one-of-a-kind collection.

Riza Bulawan's collection focused on innovation and sustainability, which designer Nina Gatan also highlighted in her creations that made use of the Hinabol fabric from Bukidnon.

Damaris Chua took inspiration from Dutch fairy tales but added a Filipino twist by using Piña silk.

Zena Ankersmith, meanwhile, found her muse in jeepney folk art. 

Britta Bentela went in the route of "appreciating, but not imitating", while Loes Van Nijnatten relied on precision and weaving techniques.

Meanwhile, the art of weaving was emphasized by the Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marion Derckx, who spoke of the intertwining relationship between the Philippines and her home country. 

The Dutch-Filipino Fashion Exchange is part of the Manila Fashion Festival, a four-day celebration of the best in the local fashion industry. — Text and Photos by AYA TANTIANGCO/VVP, GMA News