For some time, Dita Sandico Ong has been someone I have wanted to meet. I was inspired how she had the vision to transform the use of banana, abacca and other natural plant fibers into a fashion art form. I read somewhere before that her efforts have made it possible for revolutionizing the Philippine natural fiber industry by providing communities in dying industries with more sustainable income and struggling cultural heritage to become alive again.
I admired her fashion so much that I wanted my wedding gown done by her, but due to budget considerations, I didn’t even ask, hayyy.
That was more than 9 years ago and at the Manila F.A.M.E, who should I chance upon unexpectedly???
It was exciting to see the artist skillfully do the folds herself. Seeing her gather the abacca ends into loops, without any apparent direction or pattern but merely falling into the rhythm of the fabric is just simply inspiring. I realized, just how much of her style has also inspired me in mine for my flowers.
Read more on Dita Sandico Ong: Bringing out the Modern Filipina under wraps…
For years, almost all my life actually, I have been fascinated with Philippine exported products. I guess it started during one of our gradeschool fieldtrip to Philtrade (little did I expect that I am going to be a regular). We were lucky that there was a good furniture exhibit that time and I just fell in love with a huge round rotating thick cushioned rattan chair (which I still hope to find for myself), and I was hooked on all things Philippine Export quality products.
So going to CITEM’s Manila F.A.M.E. is really a pilgrimage for me. I can remember being blown away by the World Trade Center being transformed with drama, installations and even pocket gardens set-up by Budji Layug.
This year, it has once again lived up to its ideals. Though the exhibit is a tad smaller and less “packaged” than a few years back, but the participants are just as exciting!
The first of which is The Pina Shop, home of the First in the World Natural Dyed Pina Fashion knitwear!
As with true eco fashion, multi-purposing is a must, how about this shawl turned headgear/ accent? How about turning this into your bridal veil? Filipina brides should be proud to wear this to their wedding!
Read more on The Pina Shop: Proudly EcoPinoy Sustainable Fashion…
If you think being eco-friendly with your wedding will mean boring colors and limited choices… think again!
Just one word… YUMMY!
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