WHAT MAKES A WINNING DESIGN?
The recent fashion accessory design competition gathered an impressive pool of talents. Habi Kadayawan, only in its second season, has yet to prove to be a good jump-off point for new and seasoned local talents to showcase their creativity to the global stage, but it’s getting there.
After deliberating on submitted designs inspired by the tribes of Davao, 15 made it to the final list with entries each in three categories: student, hobbyist, and professional. The actual products were prejudged with creativity and originality, craftsmanship and visual appeal and marketability as the criteria. Runway appeal was reserved for the final judging.
The judges were talented and renowned in their fields of expertise in the design arena: couturier Cary Santiago, furniture maven Vito Selma, accessory designer D’Oro Barandino, shoes and accessories designer Maco Custodio and Pret-aporter designer Avel Bacudio. They excelled in their crafts, were able to penetrate the international arena with their products, they are recognized and have received numerous accolades.
Carmaela Alcantara won in the professional category with her “D-11” bag. “Durian varieties
named D with numerical digits. 11 refers to the number of Davao tribes. It’s embellished with beads shaped like thorns connected at the base, like how the tribes co-exist-together and connected.” She needs about two to three weeks lead time to produce one bag.
Cathryn Fanlo’s “Pahidungog” neckpiece won in the hobbyist category. “The 11 tribes are represented in my centerpiece made of hand-sculpted polymer clay. It also showcases the handwoven fabric of the Mandaya as well. The centerpiece is versatile and can be used in several ways, like a bag charm.” Fanlo currently has three variations including the Philippine Eagle and Waling-waling.
Winning in the student category was Rhyan Orillo’s “Panyas” tote bag made of t’nalak fiber with panyas seeds beading. “In my hometown, Bansalan, the indigenous people create accessories accessories using panyas seeds and sell it. My design inspiration was the Bagobo Tagabawa’s livelihood, which is the beading.”
Congratulations, winners! Take your creations to the international market.