Paloma Urquijo Zobel: ‘Bench is a brand we hold very close to our hearts’
PHILIPPINE STAR: What made you join Bench Fashion Week?
PALOMA URQUIJO ZOBEL: Bench is an iconic brand that has become a part of the daily lives of many Filipinos. The brand was really a pioneer in the “buy local” movement with their “Love Local” campaign, and when we were invited to join the Bench Fashion Week we were really honored as we share the love for local. On a personal level, my family has worked closely with the brand on different projects. My sister (Monica) launched a perfume with Bench and my mother (Bea Zobel Jr.), sister and I did a campaign for “Love Local” a few years ago. So it’s a brand we hold very close to our hearts. Where did you get inspiration for this new collection?
For Piopio’s first runway collection we wanted to celebrate. With previous releases for women and men focusing on the intricate craftsmanship of Filipino weavers, this season we wanted to marry these traditional techniques with contemporary styles in a collection inspired by the fiesta.
The offering marries the spirit of traditional fiestas, from Masskara to Dinagyan, with the lifestyle of contemporary festivals like Burning Man and (Thailand’s) Wonderfruit. The result is a collection whose pieces are eclectic, expressive and comfortable enough to relax cross-legged in a field in, or wear all night dancing.
What makes this collection different from what we’ve seen of your Piopio pieces in yourGreenbelt exhibit last year?
Technical details include traditional weaves and beautiful ikat patterns. We applied new techniques to denim, both in its stitching and treatment, which can be seen across pants and jackets throughout this season’s garments. More experimental looks include bottoms that intertwine a sarong and wideleg pants, and this collection sees the introduction of shoes into our collections — in the form of suedeleather booties, ideal for the ever-changing terrain of festival season. I know how you love music. Will there be local sounds as well? To accompany the collection, Piopio releases its first music video. In collaboration with Pasta Groove and The Hernandez Brothers, we created an original sound to capture the spirit of the garments, brought to life by WYD director Judd Figuerres, choreographed by Bea AlonsoTe, starring model Alexa Aguirre. What’s the next step for Piopio?
While we look to the future, Piopio’s true DNA comes from the experts with whom we work: sourcing all of our fabrics from traditional hand weavers across the Philippines. The result is
rare, unique weaves proffering slightly different patterns across every fiber of the fabrics we use in our garment construction. These techniques are the product of a time-honored tradition, passed orally from weaver to weaver. With no specifically seasonal colors or patterns, Piopio asks our weavers to follow their mood at the time of producing the fabric.
Piopio prides itself on our work within these communities, offering a space for true, traditional craftsmanship, which collides uniquely with contemporary styles and attitudes, the spirit of the classic fiesta and the contemporary festival perfectly marrying the two. What is your dream for Piopio?
My dream for Piopio has always been that it become a lifestyle brand that aims to preserve, showcase and create projects that represent tradition, artistry and heritage in the Philippines while making them relevant. I think being part of Kalye Artisano in Palawan is a great first step as we will be part of a community that is aimed at just that — spotlighting the great arts and culture of the Philippines. It’s not just about preserving the past but also really taking it into the future. Making it relevant. Offering a space for true traditional craftsmanship to collide uniquely with the contemporary. Piopio in Kalye Artisano will open in March 2018. Any plans to present a show abroad?
We had a pop-up in New York City that was received extremely well but we still want to concentrate on our local market. We want to get Filipinos acquainted with their local weaves again and then maybe focus on taking them abroad.
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