Coming from the College’s Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program, Sinulid: Prologue 2020 features this year’s exhibit “CO-vid EXISTS” that serves a tribute to the Manila cultural heritage. ID 116 students’ virtual exhibit not only highlights their artistic capabilities through their craft, but also their ingenious usage of unconventional materials.
Sinulid: Prologue’s main theme “Batang Kalye” served as an inspiration through 35 FDM students’ impeccable talent for creating and innovation.
In an interview with The Benildean, ID 116 FDM student and Sinulid Officer, Gelynne Alexandra Santos, imparted the success of their virtual exhibit despite its postponement on April 2.
“Even though we were not able to exhibit it traditionally, the virtual exhibit gave justice to all the time, hard work, patience, and sacrifices that we all gave in for this event,” she said. Despite the inconvenience, she added, adapting to the circumstances made them better and more equipped aspiring fashion designers.
Furthermore, the designers found solace in creating wonderful pieces as they escape from the fear and uncertainties of the world using their passion for design and fashion as a beacon to support the community.
Highlighting the Manila heritage
With resourcefulness during this time, ID 116 FDM students exceeded all expectations with “made-at-home during COVID” designs that highlight the diverse Manila culture. Through the use of recyclable materials, pure creativity, and cultural appreciation, these works exemplified Filipino talent and emphasized their limitless passion in the field of fashion.
Through wires, fabric scraps, ropes, and tarpaulin materials, Santos’ “Kalesa” piece presented the country’s evolution in transportation. Raya Abastillas‘ design presented Manila as the center of education by the use of different universities’ ID laces; Coleen Aytona, taking an inspiration from national hero Jose Rizal’s 1899 novel, “Noli Me Tangere” (Touch Me Not), utilized stained pages of the novel and a plastic covering on top as to further reference the book; Ericka Dela Cruz, inspired by the famous flower market Dangwa, incorporated dried leaves and bouquet-shaped newspapers to her design.
Meanwhile, Gianina Dwaigne Lilagan showcased craftsmanship of Filipinos seen under the bridge of Quiapo with hats, fans, souvenirs made of abaca or rattan, coconut beads, and Capiz shells. Marielle Disierto’s armor silhouette was made of plastic ailet, ring bind, and old newspaper, symbolizing how Filipinos were able to fight for our country’s freedom through creative writing.
Other students behind CO-vid EXISTS‘ exceptional pieces are Angelica Achacosco, Bianca Arguelles, Centee Azores, Sean Carlo Betco, Tricia Butler, Jean Caluban, Beatrice Cañete, Shayne Casi, Eunhye Cho, Adrienne Cruel, KC Dayao, Hazel Dizon, Frances Niña Trisha Fabian, Isabel Go, Danielle Hernandez, Miri Hwang, Jun Macabanti, Pamela Madlangbayan, Angela Malazarte, Tricie Mendoza, Deniell Morfe, Erika Ng, Katrina Rivera, Anna Sadie, Shanica Sy, Charlene Te, Justine Torregozza, Dominique Torres, and Mary Rose Villena.
The success of the virtual exhibit was also made possible by FDM’s faculty, the officers from Sinulid, and Multimedia Arts (MMA) students for capturing the beautiful garments.
Altogether, Sinulid: Prologue 2020 titled “CO-vid EXISTS” proudly presents the exemplary works of ID 116 FDM students who continue to push through the boundaries of normality—emphasizing the meaning of one’s culture—in the means of artistic innovation and applying sustainability in fashion.
Check out Sinulid’s virtual exhibit on their Facebook page and their “Behind the Seams” (BTS) video here.
Cover Photo by Martina Cobres
