Spotlight on The Philippines Fashion, Tourism and Culture at Couture Fashion Week New York

In addition to multiple fashion shows by exceptional couture and high-end fashion designers, performances by world-class entertainers and exhibits of art and other products, the recent Couture Fashion Week event held in September 2012 in New York City included a special spotlight on the country of The Philippines.
Designer Barge Ramos (left) and jewelry designer Arnel Papa (right) take a bow at Couture Fashion Week New York
Fashion designer Barge Ramos (left) and jewelry designer Arnel Papa (right) take a bow at Couture Fashion Week New York.
Fashion designer Joseph Domingo takes a bow at Couture Fashion Week New York
Fashion designer Joseph Domingo greets the audience after his fashion show at Couture Fashion Week New York.

Part of the ongoing efforts by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Trade and Industry to promote greater awareness of the Philippines in the international market, the showcase at Couture Fashion Week New York included:

  • Tourism and product displays from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Southern Taglog including Puerto Princesa City.

  • An exhibit by the beautiful Acuatico Beach Resort located in San Juan, Batangas, one of the Philippines’ most popular vacation destinations.

  •  Fashion shows by designers Joseph Domingo and Barge Ramos, with jewelry by Arnel Papa.

  • A gala reception for special guests sponsored by East Coast Charities, Inc. headed by Filipino community member and entrepreneur Elma Santander. Proceeds from the reception will benefit Smokey Mountain education programs and the apostolic work of San Lorenzo Ruiz Chapel in New York.

  • Performance by a Philippine tribal dance troupe from the Cordillera region.

  • Video presentation on the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Reception guests enjoyed Filipino entertainment at Couture Fashion Week
Reception guests enjoyed Filipino entertainment.
A reception for invited guests was sponsored by East Coast Charities at Couture Fashion Week NY
A reception for invited guests was sponsored by East Coast Charities at CFW held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

The event was attended by numerous Filipino dignitaries including CAR Governor Jocel Baac, Abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin, and Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn. A few days before the event Philippines government delegations, including Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr., met in New York with members of the business community and the Filipino-American Community at the Philippine Center on the latest region-based tourism and trade promotion efforts. The Consul General stressed a number of developments which can engage the overseas community in the potential for tourism and trade in the Philippines.

In his own Spring 2013 collection, which was shown on the runway, Couture Fashion Week producer and designer Andres Aquino used some beautiful natural fiber "ikat" fabrics by Narda Capuyan. Ms. Capuyan, who also attended the New York event, is the creative force behind Narda's Handwoven Arts and Crafts, Inc., The Philippines. "The use of these fabrics from Cordillera is part of our mission to use more sustainable natural and eco-friendly materials," said Mr. Aquino (no relation to the esteemed Filipino family of the same name). "It sends a positive message and contributes to the development of the natural fiber industry creating jobs in remote locations for artisans outside the mass production chain." Mr. Aquino is looking forward to future collaboration with Cordillera and other entities involved in natural fabric production.

Designer Andres Aquino used natural fiber fabrics by Narda's Hadwoven Arts & Crafts in some ensembles
Designer Andres Aquino used natural fiber fabrics by Narda's Hadwoven Arts & Crafts in some ensembles.
Designer Barge Ramos does a TV interview at Couture Fashion Week in New York
Designer Barge Ramos does a TV interview at
Couture Fashion Week in New York.
Through its press and internet coverage Couture Fashion Week reaches hundreds of millions worldwide. The bi-annual event is attended by thousands of fashionistas, VIPs, celebrities, members of the press and fashion industry executives. Over its past 17 seasons the event has seen the participation of prestigious and award-winning couture and luxury designers from dozens of countries. Top-notch performers, parties and receptions are also part of the bi-annual event, as well as exhibits of fine art, tourism, luxury and lifestyle products and services. Recently CFW included UN-related and international business conferences. Visit the event website for more information:  www.couturefashionweek.com

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