On its fourth edition, it is evident that the designers participating in the Mindanao Fashion Summit (MFS) are becoming more self-assured, daring and confident in showcasing their creativity. Held in 2011, 2013, 2014 ad 2015 at the LimKetKai Mall in Cagayan de Oro City, the fashion spectacle is the biggest platform for the island’s designers to unleash their sartorial sensibilities.
The MFS is the brainchild of the Oro Fashion Designers Guild, then under the leadership of Gil Macaibay III with veteran Manila-based designers Frederick Peralta, Dong Omaga-Diaz, Ronaldo Arnaldo and the legendary Christian Espiritu as consultants. It is participated in by established and neophyte designers and brands from Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Iligan, Malaybalay, General Santos and Davao cities. It still has to entice the highly skilled designers from Zamboanga City to join the annual eleganza.
I missed the Spring/Summer 2016 shows held last December, so I opted to do a special photoshoot instead with some of Cagayan de Oro’s promising talents, heavily inspired by a past Moschino advertorial. I’m hoping that as the MFS gears up for its fifth edition come August, in time for the Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro, the organizers will invite Mindanaoan and Mindanao-based beauty and fashion icons such as Margie Moran-Floirendo, Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, MJ Lastimosa and Shamcey Supsup-Lee to grace the event. (Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach would be too busy.)
Here are the designers’ forecasts for summer dressing in Mindanao (and elsewhere):
Mark Christopher Yaranon of Iconic Fashion: Psychedelic Graffiti in black and white inspired from the murals and mosaic arts in the subways of New York City, which I visited a few months ago to show my indigenous and fabric-manipulated designs. I did a one-piece long and slinky gown, with deep V neckline and in long sleeves with cutting details and a headpiece, all using neoprene materials.
Ann Semblante: I created a nude-shaded, open-back long dress made of satin and printed organza.
John Mark Magallanes: I did a pink, floral-printed long gown in chiffon, with a keyhole front and open back with black combination cutouts.
Allan Yugo Sajulga: My “Summer Breeze” collection is romantic, feminine and fresh—exuding everything that is pleasant in spring and summer. This shoot features my haltered, fishtailed chiffon gown, with abstract prints combined with plain stretch tulle.
Juniel Doring: “Sweet Revenge”—my take on how I was able to overcome and fight bullying in my early years as a designer. I used Korean jusi and dull satin for my female collection and leather for my male. I also used spikes to make my collection solid.
Angela Soriano: Effortless Elegance has always been the goal for Angela Soriano Designs. The Spring/Summer 2016 luxury wear collection is inspired by glamorous holidays at the French Riviera, the playground of the rich and famous, where a striped wardrobe has always been a staple, a beautiful mix of nautical and Parisian chic.
Joshua N. Guibone Fashion Design: My menswear is called “Aloysius,” inspired by Preston and Child’s fictional character Aloysius Xingu Leng Pendergast. Dark and mysterious. Powerful and sensitive. It is an all-black collection of tailored pieces with hints of brass from snap buttons as enclosures embodying masculinity and mystery. My womenswear is called “Chains”: This MFS, I focused again on details by using chains. Each chain was meticulously linked together with bias tape to create armor-like panels. These panels gave simple silhouettes a modern and edgy twist.
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Hi! Can we also include the credits for this special shoot, such as the photographer, hair and makeup artists, director, stylists, etc? Thanks!