Diverse materials, outstanding craftsmanship in focus as Fashion Philippines unveils in PROJECT WOMENS Las Vegas 2019

PH targeting PHP2.53 million in revenue at the most comprehensive fashion marketplace in the US.

Fashion Philippines is preparing to showcase the diversity of materials and outstanding craftsmanship by Philippine companies as it joins the Project Womenstrade show in Las Vegas, USA on August 12 to 14, 2019.

The Project Womens participation of FashionPhilippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Los Angeles and San Francisco in California, USA. Project Womens is one of the 12 trade shows included in the Men’s Apparel Guild in California (MAGIC) trade fair, considered to be the most comprehensive fashion marketplace in the United States. Project Womens features the best emerging and established brands that are noteworthy and cause-oriented.

“What is different with FashionPhilippines’ participation in Project Womens is that the brands joining the show carry so many stories and a lot of potential with them,” said CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan. “We have eight brands and they all use a diverse range of materials in their pieces. They employ weavers, carvers and artisans and these people show exceptional craftsmanship in their products.”

Two brands joining Project Womens this year make notable use of what nature gives their hometowns in abundance. Agsam Fern makes use of the wild fern plant agsam, which grows abundantly in its home base of Surigao del Sur, to create accessories that are intricate in design and detail. Lara, an initiative of the provincial government of Samar, makes use of tikog grass that grows abundantly in the province to turn the humble banig into high-end fashion pieces that are sturdy and long-lasting.

Lalapatos by Maco Custodio and Virtucio use foil packs and plastic—two items that would normally be thrown away after just one use—in their shoes and handbags, respectively. Lalapatos uses foil packs from pre-consumed items that are turned into strips and woven together by hand before combining them with leather panels. Virtucio, on the other hand, collects single-use plastic bags that are cut, pressed and then melted to achieve a colorful, mosaic-like effect on its products.

Many of the brands’ designers and owners work with communities of weavers, artisans and craftsmen to execute their designs and craft delightful pieces. Vesti works with indigenous tribes from Mindanao, taking inspiration from their weaving heritage and combines their weaves with modern silhouettes to make one-of-a-kind bags that can be used in any occasion. Calli’s bags feature textures and shapes that are carved masterfully by local carvers and artisans from wood, paired with other accents such as hand-woven rattan.

From simple to elaborate, the Philippine brands at Project Womens show precise attention to detail in its products. Beatriz and Ken Samudio make accessories that show their artisans’ capacity for executing intricate designs using a variety of materials such as cotton threads, natural fibers and upcycled beads from glass and plastic.

PH seeks P2.53M revenue in its first participation

The Philippine participation is aiming to achieve ₱2.53 million in revenue and US$790,000 in export sales at Project Womens this year along with 240 buyer inquiries. “I hope the buyers and visitors going to MAGIC and Project Womens will visit our booth and see for themselves how exquisite our products are,” adds Suaco-Juan.

With 51,000 buyers from 122 countries visiting the MAGIC trade show in August 2018, CITEM is optimistic that FashionPhilippines will capture a market on the strength of its products’ appeal and quality. CITEM is eager to meet buyers from all over the United States and countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Mexico and Colombia.

To learn more about the brands participating in Project Womens, visit the Philippine exhibition at Booth No. 52135, North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center or visit http://citem.com.ph/project-womens/.