Manila City is one of the places where tourists get their first taste of the Philippines. It is home to some of the capital’s best attractions, from ancient structures to cultural hubs. These spots aren’t only good for the Gram but also the perfect places to explore and discover the heritage of Filipinos. Inspiration is everywhere in the city. Throughout time, it has been the muse of different kinds of art, whether it is visual art, music, movies, or even fashion.
A testament to that is the newest collection of homegrown brand Plains and Prints. Since its founding in 1994, the brand led by Roxanne Farillas has been giving the best pieces that suit the modern Filipina lifestyle. It also served as a platform that celebrates the talents of budding and OG local designers. And as it reaches its three-decade milestone, the label puts the spotlight on the many sites that make Manila City a place like no other. To do that, the brand tapped noted Filipino photographer Mark Nicdao to capture its destinations, producing a collection that embodies its commitment to Philippine culture and heritage.
“With this collection, we're highlighting the beauty of Manila and trying to change people's perspective, especially the younger generation,” Roxanne said. “So, with this collaboration that we're doing, it will actually create interest again for them to explore Manila and to understand the beauty of Manila, the culture, and the heritage. Manila being our capital, I think it's just right that people, especially the younger generation, would understand and see Manila in a different light.”
With the help of the National Parks and Development Committee (NPDC), National Commission For Culture And Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism, Culture And Arts Of Manila (DTCAM), Intramuros Administration (IA), and National Museum, and Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Mark went on a journey and took photos of its beloved sites such as Paco Park, Rizal Park, Metropolitan Theater, Clock Tower, Intramuros, and the National Museum.
“This collaboration is a big difference because it was shot where we live. A big part of what makes the Philippines great is Manila. It’s exciting, it has so much history,” Mark said. “My favorite experience shooting the whole thing is really walking around. Exploring those places up close and trying to find something distinct to that location was really exciting. Walking around Manila and really seeing the sites and imagining them on the clothes was pretty amazing and unforgettable.”
The collection was officially unveiled at the National Museum of Natural History with a runway presentation. Described as a “love letter to Manila City,” the collection featured romantic pieces, from dainty tops and dresses to playful pants and skirts, adorned with Mark's stunning images. It's both modern and poetic as the brand merged traditional and contemporary dressing attitudes. The best example of that was the look actress and style icon Anne Curtis donned for the show, a modern-day barong for women with a special MNL brooch paired with the a balloon skirt.
The release of the collection was also in celebration of Philippine Tourism Month. Present during the launch as well was Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who recognized the power of fashion in championing Filipino creativity and the country's story. “You are now able to wear you're pride as a Filipino through a Plains and Prints garment, in collaboration with Mark Nicdao and the Philippine government,” Secretary Christina noted.
“There's so many things to see. We've always championed the talent of Filipinos, but right now with this, we want to make people realize how rich in culture and beautiful [the country is]”, Roxanne added. “With this, they can see in the pictures, they can see in the clothes that Manila is still as beautiful as it was before.”
The “Plains and Prints X Mark Nicdao Manila” collection will be available nationwide by Sept. 15, with an exclusive preview shopping experience from Sept. 6 to 12 at SM Mall of Asia, Main Mall Atrium; Sept. 6 to 10 at Plains and Prints Glorietta and SM Davao; and online starting Sept. 6 at plainsandprints.com and Zalora.
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