Exquisite beadwork and lace can be found in most of Tan-Gan’s knit-piñawear

An established designer is one whose creations (patterns, choice of fabrics and/or colors) are synonymous to his/her name. Lulu Tan-Gan is one of those, with her unique choice of knits.

In search of clothes that didn’t need ironing, Lulu happened upon knits. “I felt the future of knits as a travel-friendly material some 30 years ago, and I haven’t changed my mind,” she shares.

For the woman of the 21st century, Tan-Gan works on another phase of her clothing venture as she unearths and reinvents another fabric, the piña. She reminisces about wanting to wear her father’s Barong Tagalog, which she wanted to pair with her trousers, but couldn’t because of the discoloration. Being old, it wasn’t accepted by professional dry cleaners. So, she took the risk and washed it herself. What came out was a softer piña fabric, and this is how she started toying with the idea of mixing her favorite knits with piña.

It took three years of experimentation to make casual knits and the luxurious piña work together. “Successfully marrying two different fabrics was a challenge especially when the end product had to be wearable and feasible as a garment,” says Tan Gan.

How timely that Metro magazine handpicked her to be their Metrowear Icon for this year, showcasing a collection of more than 50 pieces, and backed up with a show by director Robby Carmona. Metro magazine’s editor-in-chief Kat Holigores, on Tan-Gan‘s selection: “Metro chooses a personality who has been an integral part of Filipino design and creativity as seen in previous Metrowear icons such as well-known designers Auggie Cordero and Randy Ortiz. For many years, Lulu Tan-Gan was the designer to go to for comfortable, classy and even quirky knitwear. Her designs have proven to be ahead of their time, and yet classic pieces that women can still use today.

“This lady has also been a nurturing force in the careers of many a young and up-and-coming designer. She has been generous with her knowledge and skills and has always opened her doors to those who need more exposure for their work. Tan-Gan is an icon because she has built a solid brand and a reputation for quality, and has been recognized for her work both locally and abroad.”

Tan Gan emphasizes that her latest haute couture collection is 98 percent hand-loomed, hand-sewn, and hand-embroidered, which makes this show a must-see. “Nothing can replace the uniqueness and visual feel of hand-made materials,” she says. “After so much modern materials, there is nothing more soothing than working with materials that are indigenously made.”

Other highlights of the event, Metrowear Icon 2009, on November 10, include a showcase of antique pieces and modern furniture, and a retrospective of Lulu Tan-Gan’s clothes. A silent auction of Milo Naval and Kenneth Cobonpue’s globally-appreciated furniture will also be held. Proceeds will go to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya and Gifts and Graces Foundation.

Metrowear Icon 2009 presents Lulu Tan-Gan, Tuesday, November 10, at the NBC Tent at Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.