Young fashion designers embrace technology
MODA Mindanao, the South’s longest running fashion design competition, returned this year in SM Lanang Premier to celebrate unpublished and original fashion designs with contemporary interpretations of Mindanao culture and artistry.
On its 12th season, MODA Mindanao had the theme DEMI-COUTURE: Fashion in the Age of Technology. This aimed to bring Mindanao fashion to a new summit, embracing the use of technology to preserve, develop, and promote southern culture and aesthetics.
The design competition is a key fashion component of a bigger SM Supermalls campaign called Festive Mindanao. The campaign put emphasis on local culture and establishes Mindanao malls as venues for cultural and artistic endeavors.
“MODA Mindanao is fueled by the passion of young fashion designers and SM Supermalls supports promoting innovation and artistry in fashion in the South,” said Russel Alaba, SM Supermalls AVP for marketing in Mindanao.
MODA saw 11 designers compete in two categories: Prêt-à-Porter for Women and Evening Wear for Women. The use of patterns—inspired by Mindanao tribes—were crucial to producing garments.
Fabrics, which bear the digitally printed Mindanao patterns, were provided to the young designers. These were made visible and prominent on the pieces produced.
These young promising talents competed in the MODA Mindanao fashion showcase last August 20 in SM Lanang Premier in Davao City: Pete Bryan Jabel, Mark Joseph Sayad, Kian Deocariza, Jan Rey Legada, Mark Suralta Pabon, Gelmar John Buyan, Keith Wilton Piz, Klevin Remoto Bartolaba, Jethrolouie Sebastian, Raymond Umpa, and Ryan Jhey Hermo.
Mark Suralta Pabon of Tantangan, South Cotabato won the Prêt-à-Porter (ready-to-wear) for Women category while Gelmar Buyan of Sultan Kudarat won the Evening Wear for Women category.
The MODA Mindanao panel of judges was comprised by L'Officiel Manila editor and stylist Pam Quiñones, stylist and Herman & Co. creative curator Bea Constantino, and stylist and Inquirer To Be You editor Luis Carlo San Juan.