How to say abaca and piña in French


Norway-based Filipina fashion designer Mayeth Codoy showcases indigenous Philippine fabrics at Paris Fashion Week

STRUT YOUR STUFF French models don Mayeth Codoy’s Filipiniana collection. (Paris PE photo)

Norway-based Filipina fashion designer is one of six designers whose creations were featured in a benefit fashion show mounted by the French non-profit association Fashion for Foundation held late last month at the historic and chic Salon des Miroirs situated on the topmost level of the iconic Passage Jouffroy on Paris’ Grand Boulevard.

Mayeth Codoy, a 2020 graduate of Esmod Oslo in Norway—an affiliate of Esmod International School in Paris—was invited to come to Paris to showcase her collection, which was created using 90 percent Philippine textiles, particularly abaca (Manila hemp) and pineapple.

PAS-DE-DEUX Clockwise from left: Two of nine Filipiniana creations of Mayeth Codoy for her new fashion brand MYET; and Philippine Embassy first secretary and consul C. Rola McKernan with one of the MYET models (Paris PE photo)

Codoy, who has since started a small fashion business in Norway called MYET, sourced the fabrics used in her Filipiniana collection from artisan communities in Aklan, a province in Central Philippines, known the world over for its pristine white beaches on the island of Boracay.

Codoy sourced the fabrics used in her Filipiniana collection from artisan communities in Aklan.

“Ms. Codoy’s designs are able to highlight the unique beauty of the Philippine fibers pinya and abaca in such artistic, modern creations that can easily go well for special occasions, but also for everyday wear,” said First Secretary and Consul Christina Rola McKernan, after watching the show. “Ms. Codoy’s creative vision is truly impressive and the Philippine Embassy believes she represents the best of Philippine ingenuity and artistry. She makes us all proud to be Filipinas.

McKerman is especially proud of Codoy for participating in this charity event, whose beneficiaries are those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. “It is a good way to express solidarity for such international efforts,” she said.