THE diversity of designs in the Filipino community is unparalleled, and what makes them even more unique is each artist’s subtle homage to their culture. Get to know three must-see Filipino designers who are doing their country proud.
Their works are to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) – a global platform for emerging fashion designers – on August 6, 2022 at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, and on August 13, 2022 in Decades Event Center in Las Vegas.
Neo-ethnic fashion by LCL
Photo courtesy of Sujata Photography
For Lionell Christian Lanuzo and his self-named fashion brand LCL, guests will be impressed by his statement-making shapes and patterns, which encourage the wearer to express her uniqueness and ethnicity.
His favored sillouette, the “Philippine Terno” and its trademark butterfly sleeves, is combined with modern European aesthetics to create a decidedly “neo ethnic” look.
Christian’s creations have been featured in several fashion magazines in Europe. Various Philippine embassies in Europe, recognizing his unique Filipino-inspired designs, have invited him to showcase his neo-ethnic clothes during important Filipino community celebrations.
Based in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, Christian proudly raises the Philippine flag wherever his creations take him.
Indigenous weaves by MYET
Photo courtesy of Esmod Oslo
For Mayeth Codoy and her Norway-based label MYET, fashion entails showcasing the distinct beauty of the Philippine textiles – pinya (pineapple) and abaca (Manila hemp) – in such beautiful, modern masterpieces that are appropriate for both special events and everyday wear.
Mayeth, a 2020 graduate of Esmod Oslo (an affiliate of Esmod International School in Paris), was one of six international designers whose creations were featured last year in a fashion show of the French nonprofit association Fashion for Foundation at the historic Salon des Miroirs on Paris’ Grand Boulevard.
Mayeth sources the fabrics used in her collection from artisan communities in Aklan, a province in Central Philippines.
Luxe fashions by Gnetz Designs
Photo courtesy of Vanity Wall
Finally, Genette Mujar, the proud owner and CEO of Gnetz Designs, a clothing business she established in Vancouver, is another Filipina is making a name for herself in Canada’s fashion scene.
Genette’s luxe designs have been featured in various Canadian magazines, and she has collaborated with noted Canadian photographers and make-up artists.
However, before she could pursue her goal of becoming a fashion designer, Genette had to work as a caregiver in Canada.
Genette finally summoned the confidence to pursue her big goal at the age of 50. Genette’s hard workd paid off when she received the “Best Achievement Award” from Vancouver’s Visual College of Art and Design, the fashion school she attended.
Genette’s remarkable success story is another illustration of how, no matter our age, the big effort can lead to even bigger success.
Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform
The range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other. But what makes them extra special is the subtle nod they make to their culture.
Indeed, these designers are drawing well-deserved attention to Filipino glam – and Asia Pacific Fashion Week will be their newest global platform to showcase the diversity of Filipino-inspired fashions.
This inaugural edition of APFW is presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, DTI Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications Inc., Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling.
The Las Vegas edition is co-produced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing and Lend with Love. n
