Bridal boom fuels designers’ energy
+16 Bridal boom fuels designers’ energy
Bridal boom fuels designers’ energy
Bridal boom fuels designers’ energy
Painstaking details. Dramatic silhouettes. Inclusivity, diversity and sustainability. These paint a pretty picture of the future for Philippine bridal wear.
The local wedding industry continues to grow, with a 2023 Philippine Statistics Authority report revealing that 449,428 marriages were registered in 2022—a whopping 25.9-percent increase from the previous year, and a 4-percent increase from prepandemic numbers.
At the recent 10th anniversary of the much-anticipated “Marry Me at Marriott”—which has evolved this year into “Marry Me at Marriott: Philippine Gratus Gala”—the runway show trained its spotlight on young Filipino designers from across the archipelago and the globe.
Bessie Besana’s aesthetics have evolved since moving to the United States, toning down his previous tendency for lavish looks. His classy gowns are a vision of vintage-inspired elegance.
The New York-based designer called his participation in the gala “life-changing.” According to him, it’s especially significant featuring designers who aren’t even 40 years old and are still in the process of establishing their businesses. “It tells people that we’ve arrived, we’re here and we’re here for the long-haul.”
Veejay Floresca agreed. “I feel that young designers are hungrier,” she said, adding that great Filipino talents are found not just in the Philippines but scattered all over the world.
Focusing on wearability and inclusivity, she tapped a transgender woman as well as models from sizes 0 to 16 to show off her six-piece capsule collection.
“We need to celebrate inclusivity and diversity,” said Floresca, who represented Los Angeles. “I really advocate for sustainability because that is needed right now. Fashion can be more important if it has a purpose, so we need to promote sustainable fashion.”
From Luzon to Mindanao
“There’s a beautiful opportunity to highlight traditional craftsmanship, especially in formal wear and weddings,” said Niño Franco’s Wilson Limon. It didn’t look it, but it was the Mindanaoan designer’s first time to create a wedding collection, saying that he primarily designs casual ready-to-wear pieces.
“We work with various ethno-linguistic communities in Mindanao. We highlight their artistry, their traditional craftsmanship. Mostly, we highlight the embroidery and the beadwork,” he said.
His unconventional take on traditional Filipiniana, particularly for his suits, is captivating in the most charming way. Made of ikat weave in pastel hues, the blending of traditional techniques with contemporary design in his endearing pieces draws the eyes in its graceful calmness.
“I have a deep passion for crafting unique items for those who appreciate and value cultural heritage,” he added.
Visayas’ Axel Que admits that her designs are “exaggerated, avant-garde and hard to walk in,” likening them to installation art.
And it’s hard not to agree upon laying eyes on her jaw-droppingly theatrical eight-piece collection.
A balance of maximalism and minimalism, the collection evokes images of glamorous growth and even delicate decay, teetering between being earthly and otherworldly.
Suffice it to say that Que’s pieces aren’t for the faint of heart—or simple of taste—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’m more for the unconventional and extreme bride who goes all the way,” she said.
Representing Luzon, Hannah Kong is all about the exquisite embellishments and details. Although already alluring from afar, her feminine pieces are meant to be seen up close. “Most of the brides I design for want classic silhouettes but with a unique take on details. I really love the small, small details,” she told Lifestyle.
Kong said she also wanted to pay tribute to veteran couturier Frederick Peralta, who has been sidelined by health issues, and who was one of the first people to be honored with a Marriott Gratus Gem during the gala.
According to a statement, the gem is a symbol of gratitude and excellence to honor designers, event stylists and partners who have contributed to “Marry Me at Marriott” over the past decade.
