Renowned Filipina designer, Lulu Tan-Gan highlighted the ethereal beauty and versatility of the piña fabric during this year’s Red Charity Gala which was held at Shangri-La The Fort. Tan-Gan’s newest collection masterfully reimagines the piña as a luxe material, reaffirming its prestige and value. “Piña is a luxury material because of all the handwork that is put into it,” she explains adding that the fabric has attained an even more esteemed reputation as it is now included on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity of the UNESCO.
But for Tan-Gan, there is a far greater mission in using piña as her main medium: Through her “Farm-to-Fashion” approach, she’s going for a more sustainable direction, using plant-based materials which are carefully handcrafted by generations of indigenous weavers from the Visayas.
Her collection highlights the remarkable design possibilities of the piña, finally lending the fabric with colors using natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric and Sapang. The emerging materials are then designed into masterpieces like boleros, caftans, jackets, capes and coats as well as blouses and dresses that are stylish, soft and easy to wear.
In her collection, Tan-Gan bridges the diverse heritage from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao through her use of the Kalinga motif from the Ifugaos, Mandaya print from Mindanao, with the piña weaves from the Visayas.
Undoubtedly, Tan-Gan couldn’t be prouder of the many possibilities of piña. “It’s inspiring to note that many designers and brands are noticing the potential of this fabric and are getting more involved with our identity and heritage, expressing it through material, craft or just purely inspiration.”
She also acknowledges events like the Red Charity Gala for providing a platform that allows greater visibility for Filipino-wear, and supporting the local resources, heritage and a strong commitment to love local.
The highly-anticipated fashion and charity gala in the country has been supporting various organizations including Assumption High School Batch 1981 Foundation, The Philippine Red Cross, and the Hope for Lupus Foundation to build awareness on this autoimmune disease and provide support and guidance to those battling the disease.
This year’s Red Charity Gala is presented by Bench. Co-presented by Mentorque Productions together with A2A Safaris, Angkas, Diagold, Emirates Airlines, Genteel Home, Jewelmer, Shangri-la at the Fort, and Tulsi Wellness Club. With the participation of Botanist, Bruichladdich, Uratex and Usana. And additional support from Centre Medicale Internationale, City of Dreams, Crate & Barrel, and Heaven’s Portfolio. Special thanks to Adworks Manila, Estee Lauder, Fuentes Manila, Gardenia, Henri Calayag Salon, Mint College, Moss Manila, Robert Blancaflor Group,18th.ph, and Wilcon Home Depot.
