The country’s biggest and pioneering bi-annual gathering in fashion returns and finds new home at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in a packed two-day showcase this June 15 and 16.
The brainchild of the formidable tandem of brothers Joey and Audie Espino, the Philippine Fashion Week has bred local and international stalwarts in fashion from Rajo Laurel, Arnold Galang, Jeffrey Rogador, to Michael Cinco, and has been widely-celebrated by the participation of numerous top local brands like Penshoppe, Oxygen, Bench, and the SM Group.
“When we founded the Philippine Fashion Week over twenty years ago, we wanted one gathering that would unite local designers–upcoming and veteran from different organizations. We wanted something that would celebrate local talent and serve as a springboard for national and even global recognition,” shares founder Joey Espino in a press conference where the three-year partnership was signed, with the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria hosting the PhFW for its showcases until 2021.
“But this time, we want designers to enter a new frame of mind, that fashion in business. We have to go with the times. And as changes happen, so does the evolution of the Philippine fashion business in the Philippines.” Espino continues, “Our main objective is to really push designers and inculcate in their minds the business sense of fashion. And to do this, you really have to be updated and keep up with the changes in the industry.”
Espino continues that in response to the changing landscape, they believe that designers will soon have to explore opportunities in online merchandising, which has stemmed from the changing consumer behavior.
Newcomers and veteran designers set to showcase their collections are EsAc by AudieAE, Boyet Dysangco, Jannette Visser, Jeffrey Rogador, Joel Rosales, JunJun Cambe, Nardie Presa, Simon Ariel Vasquez, and Unity Ong Tan Ka.
In addition, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is set to mount its second She Said Yes! Bridal Fair with a bridal fashion show featuring designs from Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines, Arielle Agasang, Albert Andrada, Mikee Andre, Adam Blasa, Paolo Blanco, Cathy Capistrano, Mary Anne Casanova, Russ Cuevas, Danika Damo, Maricris Dela Pena,Ranel Espaldon, Ramil Estrope, Gill Granado, Marlo Javier, Marianne Martin, Cheena Ng Lio, Rowell Panlilio, Vince Sityar, Patty Valle, and Frannie Wei.
“We know that the Philippine Fashion Week is the biggest gathering of creative genius and we didn’t think twice to partner with them in bringing Filipino talent to the fore,” says Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria General Manager Gaurav Rai.
“We welcome the Philippine Fashion Week to their new home. We have consistently supported the Filipino fashion industry through collaborations and look forward to this fruitful long-term partnership,” notes Executive Assistant Manager Gibeth Gloria.