Quezon City: In a celebration of creativity, three educational institutions showcased the talents of their graduating fashion designers, featuring unique collections that reflect personal narratives and cultural influences, culminating in a collective tribute to community and collaboration in the fashion industry.
Over the past month, Vogue Philippines has reported on the graduation fashion shows held by three prominent educational institutions in the country: the University of the Philippines Diliman, the SoFA Design Institute, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. These events showcased the creative talents of the Class of 2025, offering a platform for the next generation of fashion designers to present their work.
The graduation show at the University of the Philippines Diliman, titled “VANITAS,” took place at the IBG-KAL Theater in Quezon City. The show featured 14 unique collections, each reflecting the individual identities and artistic interests of the students. Each collection was accompanied by carefully curated soundtracks and digital projections, enhancing the sensory experience for the audience. Among the standout presentations was Julia Villamil’s “Veil of the Lake,” which transformed her dreams of ballet into a poignant collection, alongside Dee Dimaano’s “Tahanan sa Aking Balintataw,” a tribute to her late mother featuring repurposed fabrics. This graduation show, unlike many others, showcased a spirit of camaraderie among the designers, culminating in a moment of collective celebration during their final bow.
At the SoFA Design Institute’s graduation show held at The Fifth at Rockwell, 20 students presented their collections under “The SoFA Method,” which combines self-discovery with technical prowess. Each designer created six high-quality looks that predominantly featured eveningwear, showcasing extensive craftsmanship. Noteworthy collections included Joshua Miguel Baysa’s streetwear-inspired line, Jilliane Theresa Louis Santos’ innovative use of discarded materials, and Neil Mindanao’s playful homage to childhood memories with his life-size pit-crew installation.
The final graduation show, “SINUID: Threaded Experience,” hosted by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, captivated attendees with over 100 vibrant looks from 34 designers. Divided into four thematic segments—Awakening, Discovery, Reminiscent, and Becoming—the presentations were described as a theatrical experience, with dancers and drag performers enhancing the show’s lively atmosphere. Notable awards were presented, including the Brand Concept Award to Alessandra Caamic for her genderfluid “balud” collection, and the Fashion Innovation Award to Serena San Jose, who explored themes of body horror and transgender identity in her designs.
The highlight of the evening was the Emerging Creative Talent Award, given to Gemma B. Santos for her “Tabi-tabi po” collection, inspired by traditional myths and her superstitious family. In her acceptance speech, she articulated the growing recognition of diverse voices in the fashion industry, stating, “The recognition I received is just an assurance that there is a place for us.”
The phased graduation shows across the three institutions not only displayed the creativity and innovation of the next wave of fashion designers but also highlighted the values of community, respect, and collaboration that permeated the events. Each collection provided insight into personal experiences, cultural influences, and artistic expressions, leaving an empowering impression on the audience.
Source: Noah Wire Services
