Antique’s patadyong takes center stage at HK fashion show

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Antique’s patadyong (checkered loose skirt) will debut in Hong Kong after a designer here was invited to join the two-day Likhang Pamana Fashion Show at the Sheraton Hotel in Hong Kong this November.

Wilthe Popelo, who hails from Sibalom town, said in an interview on Thursday he is lucky to undergo training on fashion design, which was facilitated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Provincial Tourism Office last July in Antique. The training helped him improve his work, Popelo said.

He is one of the 10 designers around the country invited to join the Nov. 10-11 event in Hong Kong that will showcase the craftsmanship of Philippine weavers and designers

“I am just lucky to be the one invited to represent Antique in the fashion show in Hong Kong,” he said.

He will bring six dresses, circle bags, tote bags, sling bags and shawls, which he will showcase and sell during the event.

“My designs are made of patadyong because it originates in Antique,” Popelo said.

“We have unique millennial designs, which hopefully could capture the market,” he added,

The patadyong is handwoven fabric made of cotton and silk. It is made by weavers in Bagtason, Bugasong and Tibiao towns.

These fabrics were also made as casual and party dresses that were also shown in a fashion show at Robinsons Antique last August and Shoemart Iloilo City in September.

Popelo will be joined by Provincial Tourism Officer Jose Ramlo Villaluna in the Hong Kong trip. (PNA)