‘Algodon’ presented the reimagined Filipino wear by designers Pepito Albert, Vic Barba, JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, and Randy Ortiz
Philippine Tropical Fabrics Month may have ended last January but our love for local textiles continues all throughout the year. On Feb 5, the Pintô Art Museum became the center of Filipino styles made of local weaves and materials as it hosted “Algodon” fashion show. A Spanish term for “cotton,” “Algodon” presented the works of distinct Filipino design masters—Pepito Albert, Vic Barba, JC Buendia, Tonichi Nocom, and Randy Ortiz—made of textiles handwoven by Northern Luzon weavers using homegrown cotton. It is fitting that the fashion fest was held in a museum as the designer’s works can be described as art in motion.
“Algodon” started with the project of Dr. Joven Cuanang, president and founder of the museum, as he revitalized cotton farming in Pinili, Ilocos Norte in 2016. With the help of the local and national government, what initially began as two hectares devoted to cotton farming ballooned to 20, enough to keep the weavers’ hands busy and the looms humming. This time, people can now see the fruit of his initiative—vibrant handwoven textiles made of 100 percent cotton that could rival fabrics in the market that are made from a combination of polyester and cotton.
“‘Algodon’ is a statement of an idea put into action,” Dr. Joven said. “Painstakingly, over the last six years, we nurtured it from the seed farm to fiber to fashion. Farm-produced cotton has its rightful place in our times. It is part of our cultural heritage. It should be revitalized all over our country.”
Working on the new textiles was challenging and fulfilling for the designers. As beautiful as they are, these textiles have restraints when it comes to making them into garments. Their process involved giving them stability, reimagining new silhouettes, and making every inch of the provided fabrics work, all while celebrating stories of the material used and the hands that made them.
The show started with the creations of Vic Barba. High-spirited and contemporary, the collection presented the optical illusion magic of inabel through a series of separates for men and women. His visions resulted in inabel pieces paired with sequinned pieces, turned into chic dresses, and modern jackets that could easily find their way to young fahionistas’ closets. Among our favorites from his collections were the asymmetrical gown with inabel floral appliques, the coat and tiered skirt combo in Viva Magenta, and his mod play on the terno.
JC Buendia took everyone to church as he showcased a collection that paid homage to devotees. He did it by mixing inabel with other materials such as tulle and mikado silk. Easy dresses were paired with his stylized scapulars. Bib tops graced the runway offering tasteful skin-barring moments. While his suit ensembles and midi strapless dress demonstrated his master skills in tailoring.
Modern resort wear for the gents is what Tonichi Nocom’s collection was all about. Like a breathtaking view of the best beaches in the Philppines, his collection was tinted with black, sunny yellow, and soft tan. Call it an invitation to travel, because the Filipino-made pieces are definitely suited for an adventure.
One can expect nothing but elegance from Randy Ortiz. Being one of the go-to couturiers of the country’s most stylish personalities, he served opulence during the “Algodon” show. His fashion presentation was all about colors and textures as pieces in vivid blues, delicate pink, and lime green with sheer elements, 3D florals, and other embellishments paraded on the runway.
Closing the show was Filipino supermodel and fashion creative Jo Ann Bitagcol donning a two-piece ensemble by Pepito Albert. The look was all about a classic silhouette courtesy of a gray bolero with oversized sleeves paired with a black ball skirt with a tulle overlay. Completing the look was a clean beauty look with red lips and a chignon updo, making her a truly timeless fashion image.
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