This collection is a visual narrative of cultural references to the Philippines with the allure of 1930s glamour. It intertwines with cultural references through shape, fabrication and texture. Using unconventional materials not typically used in many evening wear, like cotton and linens, adds a natural, raw, organic feel that pairs with the green satin used throughout.
The collection evokes a sense of luxury and elegance yet feels warmth and comfort through the colours reminiscent of Filipino artists Fernando C. Amorsolo and Anita Magsaysay-Ho. Both artists use a warm, earthy, natural colour palette that portrays Filipino life and culture, especially women.
Through research, ‘v’ shapes in necklines, traditional dresses and fans formed the panelling, colour-blocking and patchwork ideas of ‘v’ and triangle shapes for the dresses and accessories. It results in the blend of sharp and blunt lines with the softness and delicacy of the dresses and fabrics. This contrast is also evident in Magsaysay-Ho’s paintings, with her sharp lines that still depict a softness and elegance that helped inform my panelling ideas.
There was also fundamental sustainability and money-saving importance to reusing found/free fabrics & materials like scrap/off-cut fabrics and old jewellery as a student designer. The black patchwork dress (Look Two) is a slight nod to the Barong (traditional Filipino dress) of the delicate, sheer fabrics with intricate embroidered designs using scraps and old found off-cuts of lace, chiffon, and muslin. Leaving the fabric edges raw contrasts with the rest of the collection with neat, sharp lines, again emphasising the blend of sharpness and softness in this collection.
This collection is a visual narrative of cultural references to the Philippines with the allure of 1930s glamour. An ode to classic womenswear through timeless and chic dresses, it draws inspiration from 1930s fashion through bias-cut dresses, backless cut-outs, fitted silhouettes and satins that add a sense of luxury.