When it comes to today’s pageant scene, beauty is no longer enough. Apart from wit and charm, to be a crowned winner, a lady must also have a purpose. From highlighting humanitarian and educational causes to projects relating to the environment, candidates know want to make their journey in their respective beauty pageant as meaningful and purposeful as possible. One way they can share their missions is through the looks they are wearing.
Being one of the prestigious national pageants, Binibining Pilipinas is one with its candidates in making pageantry a perfect platform for the purpose. This time, it spotlights the importance of sustainability and learning more about the Philippines’ vibrant weaving and textile heritage through a special runway show.
Dubbed “Women Reinvent,” the runway show led by the Araneta City featured Binibining Pilipinas’ latest roster of beauties wearing Filipino designs in honor of Women's Month and Earth Hour. Presented on the runway were the works of brands and designers PNay, Russ Cuevas, Adam Balasa, James O'Briant, Peñaflorida Atelier, Christine Lam, and Kutur ni Jean, showcasing their chic exploration on hand-loomed textiles and recycled materials.
Their looks were styled with accessories by Tina Campos Jewelry and Christopher Munar, bags by Ma. Delza's Native Product, and shoes by Aishe Fashion. Ending the fashion fest was Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold wearing a gown made of Northern weaves and beading by stylist and designer Justine Aliman.
As the ambassador of Textiles Empowering Lives Anew (TELA) Pilipinas, an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippines Textiles Research Institute, Hannah learned so much about local textile innovations and how working with ethically made and sourced materials can help the clothing industry achieve its sustainability goals.
“I’m so lucky that two of my passions came together–pageantry and science,” Hannah said to Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. What TELA Pilipinas does is create textiles from natural fibers. It is good that they are using local materials that otherwise will go to waste. It is so good to see them turned into beautiful garments. I’m so proud and honored to be its ambassador.”
For Hannah, pageants are among the best platforms to champion local and sustainable fashion. Candidates wearing ensembles imbued with artisanal fabrics and repurposed materials add to their storytelling. Them donning such looks brings local weaves and reimaging wastes, even the idea of re-wearing clothes, much closer to the people.
“I’m not sure if many people know but Binibining Pilipinas run for months, so it is really expected of the girls to show up every day in beautiful outfits and to have a story behind them,” she said. So why not wear our local fabrics and be sustainable about it? You’ll be surprised that a lot of the small, faraway provinces have the most beautiful and colorful textiles.”
Check out the collections below:

Adam Balasa's collection

Peñaflorida Atelier's collection

Christine Lam's collection

PNay's collection

Russ Cuevas' collection

Kutur ni Jean's collection

James O'Briant's collection
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