The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) featured the creation of about 24 designers from various provinces of Central Luzon during the “Pustura” fashion show.
The event seeks to support individuals and groups who have livelihoods or jobs in this domain of the creative industry.
DTI OIC-Regional Director Brigida Pili said “Pustura” is in line with the agency’s mandate under Republic Act 11904, otherwise known as the Philippine Creative Industry Development Act.
Designers from Pampanga showcased wearables, tie-dye shirts, sando and caps.
Traditional dresses weaved from Aurora, on the other hand, were complemented by fossilized cacao slippers and fans, modern sabutan earrings and kalilasa necklace, hand-painted bayong bags, and sabutan bags and hats.
Moreover, Bataan designers presented a variety of accessories that complement leather bags, slippers made with used tires, and wire jewelry.
There were also bags, slip-ons, crochet and macrame bags made from Zambales; bags with accessories from Tarlac; new designs of Filipiana and Barong Tagalog from Nueva Ecija; and modern traje de boda, gowns and Barong Tagalog from Bulacan.
Disenyo Pandi Multipurpose Cooperative General Manager Percy Rapanut said the fashion show is a celebration of talent as well as thanksgiving for the successes of the industry.
Meanwhile, DTI OIC-Assistant Regional Director Edna Dizon said the 24 designers who participated were a small number to the estimated 500 designers in Central Luzon.
As such, the agency will continue to locate and identify designers, tailors, dressmakers, embroiderers, and sewers.
It will also hold a similar fashion show during the annual Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair being held in Metro Manila.
There is likewise a plan to hold a tour in all provinces of the region. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)