Eye-opening exhibit
Indeed there is beauty in repurposed elements. Leave it to artist Francis Sollano to show us how trash can turn into wearable art with his trashion (a portmanteau of “trash” and “fashion”) collection.
Fusing creativity and environmentalism, Francis’ endeavor on bringing life out of used materials started in 2013. Since getting the world’s attention, his works have taken him to various places around the world from Tokyo, London and Paris to New York, Mongolia, Taiwan and Singapore to name a few.
Last month, he returned back home as SM Seaside City Cebu showcased his trashion sculpture headpieces in the form of a mini-exhibition called “SM Seaside Sides with the Seas” in an effort to raise awareness on the city’s beaches and diving coasts as well as the plastic garbage problem. This is Francis’ first solo exhibition in the Philippines.
Also, in line with the Sinulog festivities, a fashion show took place last Jan. 17 at the Mountain Wing Atrium called Sinulog Euphoria Fashion where Binibining Cebu finalists and winners Binibining Cebu Tourism Samantha Lo, Binibining Cebu Charity Maria Gigante, and Binibining Cebu 2017 Apriel Smith were dressed in ensembles by the SM Store, while walking the runway in eyecatching, innovative sculpture headpieces by Francis.
Manipulated by hand, each piece is made entirely from garbage plastic and recycled objects like drinking straws, repurposed wires, thrown away bubble wrap and inspired by sea organisms and marine structures like corals and sea urchins to name a few.
Presenting a colorful exhibit, each piece presented not only beauty but also eye-opening, informative pieces that allow its viewers to understand the effects of the garbage problem and how to be a part of the solution.
I got so affected with too much flooding in Cebu. I started wondering: How can you create a movement that is both catchy to the people and the media? I then thought of fashion as one of the best tools... Trashion or trash fashion then became my advocacy... I wanted to create beauty out of trash. FRANCIS SOLLANO