Filipinxt designers wow New York with their impeccable creations
By Marivir Montebon
New York City - Filipino fashion creatives have pulled it off with flying colors with their brand ‘Filipinxt, the new era of Philippine fashion,’ on their Sunday, May 5 launch here.
The journey from Manila to Manhattan (a creative movement they embarked on) by fashion designers Bessie Besana, Wilson Niñofranco Limon, Veejay Floresca, and Michael Leyva was long and challenging. But these young and flourishing couturiers wowed their audience and were received with an approving applause as they paraded their creations in an hour-long event at 4W 43rd in the heart of the city.
Filipinxt couturiers (2nd from left) Bessie Besana, Wilson Limon, Veejay Floresca, and Michael Leyva with Rob DAuria (left-most). (Photo by Felix Manuel)
A rather decent and happy crowd poured into the venue, undeterred by the cold spring rain. The house was full of awesome people, which to me, had quite a good vibe.
Consul General Senen Mangalile, Mrs. Fe Mangalile, DCG Adrian Cruz, Mrs. Citadel Cruz, and Consul Paolo Mapula graced the affair. Philippine Airline executives were there - Charisse Arboledo and gentlemen Goldwyn Salazar and PAL New York manager Syed Imran Shahid. Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDCI) couple Arman and Joyce David were likewise in attendance, donning a modernized Filipiniana.
Consul General Senen Mangalile and wife Fe.
PAL New York executives Charisse Arboleda, Goldwyn Salazar, and New York manager Syed Shahid.
Arman and Joyce David of PIDCI modernizing the Filipiniana, Bessie Besana, and Consul Paolo Mapula.
I loved the show for all the great reasons: the creations were fabulous and elegant and a good number were easy to wear, and could be part of one’s get-go for a party or power meeting.
The couturiers used the finest Philippine textiles and styled each garment with arduous detail. Their collection was relevant (especially the conservationist clothes line by Veejay Floresca) and reflective of Philippine heritage.
Wilson Ninofranco Limon’s did a lavish celebration of the ancient handwoven textiles and functional paraphernalia of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. It’s stylishly rooted while being post-modern. Besana and Leyva’s creations were glorious but wearable.
The choice of music was impeccable and the gorgeous models were hot picks! Hats off to director Yancy Trinidad from LA who did a wonderful job.
The fashion show’s 600 square foot long sparkling silver backdrop was stunning. Designed by Besana and a creation by New York’s Little John of DJ Filipino Events Inc., it lent the elegant ambience for the evening. A close look at the magical set, I realized it’s made up of tiny silver tiles on individual strings meticulously hang into a customized frame. The lights for the show were generous. A big A for that labor of love, Little John.
The stunning silver backdrop was a creation of Besana and Little John (2nd from left), here in photo with director Yancy Trinidad (2nd from right) and Richard Estrella (rightmost).
The guests, a representation of New York’s multi-racial demographic, were amazing and classy, just cool.
Lead organizer Besana said she was grateful and overwhelmed by the success of the event launch. Business partner Rob Mallari-DAuria had said it once again, “it’s time for Filipinos to not just to blend in, but to stand out too.” That night, they’ve quite proven it. Up next, #filipinxt goes to the New York Fashion Week in September.#
