Filipino fashion was alive during Paris Fashion Week and one of the leaders of the celebration was Albert Andrada. Last Sep. 29, the Filipino designer presented his prêt-à-por·ter collection at the Westin Paris Vendome. For his first runway show in the birthplace of fashion, Albert looked at the beauty of the Philippines island and its traditional garbs. The result was a stunning parade of 20 pieces mirroring his takes on the classic barong tagalog and Filipiniana.

“It was my first time to showcase in Paris. It was overwhelming, but it’s every designer’s dream,” Albert told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “I had sleepless nights before the show because of the excitement. I kept on praying that my collection would be appreciated in the fashion capital of the world.”

The collection featured men’s and women’s pieces in shades of beige, off-white, and white, a nod to the sand, water, and seashells of the Philippine beaches. Adding a touch of flair to the pieces were the blue and gold embellishments, as well as ivory seed beads and paillettes. But what made the pieces truly Filipino was the designer’s use of jusi fabric adorned with delicate callado embroidery.

Women’s pieces featured many of Albert’s hallmark design elements such as electric pleats, elegant cape, and romantic drapery. But he saved his most dramatic piece to close the show—a white garb with layers of ruffles and subtle linear embellishments. That piece was recently worn by Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Nola in El Salvador.

It was a dream come true for Albert to showcase a collection in Paris. For other designers who are aiming for the same thing, his advice is to be modest and always spotlight the artistry of Filipinos.

“One advice that I would give is to clearly show your identity as a Filipino when you're out there, an artistic individual yet a humble one,” he said. “To bring the fabrics and techniques to the international runway and show them the best of what the Philippines can offer!”

Check out Albert Andrada’s prêt-à-por·ter collection presented in Paris:

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