LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles’ creative energy took center stage during LA Fashion Week Spring 2026 at The Lot at Formosa, where designers from around the world presented collections that blended fashion, art, and cultural storytelling. Produced by The Bureau Fashion Week, the showcase highlighted emerging designers and global brands while reinforcing Los Angeles’ growing role as an international fashion hub.
One of the evening’s most compelling presentations came from House of Musa, the advocacy-driven fashion house founded by Filipino designer Joy Soo.
The runway presentation featured vibrant fabrics, bold textures, and flowing silhouettes, reflecting a fusion of fashion design and visual art. The LA showcase, coordinated by creative director Cindy Mac, incorporated the textile art of Marconi Calindas-Cafege, whose graphic designs were integrated into fabric patterns and runway visuals.
Beyond its aesthetic, House of Musa is defined by its commitment to sustainability and social impact. Its signature Musa fabric is made from banana fiber sourced from Davao del Norte in Mindanao. Instead of allowing agricultural by-products to go to waste, the fibers are transformed into textiles used for couture garments and accessories.
The weaving process carries a deeper purpose. Banana fiber fabrics are produced inside correctional institutions in Davao del Norte, where persons deprived of liberty participate in textile production, gaining skills and income opportunities. The initiative operates through the Davao del Norte Association of Musa Designers Artisans and Seamstresses (DAMDAS), supporting local craftsmanship and livelihoods.
House of Musa also supports humanitarian initiatives in the Philippines. Through the Musa Pink Foundation, it raises awareness for women battling breast cancer, while Angel’s Haven supports children with special needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization launched the “Mask of Hope” initiative, producing protective masks while promoting resilience and community care.
The brand first gained international attention at New York Fashion Week and has since presented in Paris, London, and Milan, bringing global visibility to a textile innovation rooted in the Philippines. Each garment traces its origins to the artisans and weaving communities of Mindanao.
Another notable element of the LA presentation was the inclusion of older models, reflecting a shift toward greater inclusivity and age diversity in fashion.
The House of Musa showcase demonstrated that fashion operates beyond aesthetics. It can serve as a platform for sustainability, cultural storytelling, and social impact.
