As guests and attendees gathered at the historic Palacio de Memoria and its surrounding open spaces last October 22 for Day 3 of Fashion Week Asia, they were engaged in conversation on catch-ups between friends, meet-ups of strangers turned acquaintances, and the general excitement about what the 3rd day would bring. It marked the last day of runway shows for Fashion Week Asia, and fittingly, the presentations ended on an exciting and reflective note that highlighted Asia’s centuries-old cultural traditions and the contemporary and innovative ideas taking the region’s history and heritage to new heights.
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What Went Down on Fashion Week Asia Day 3
With the sun beginning to set over Manila and guests making their way to their seats, Apples Aberin, Founder & Co-Chair of Fashion Week Asia and Vice President of One Mega Group Lifestyle Media Brands, shared her opening remarks and welcomed the crowd to the 3rd day of Fashion Week Asia, which consisted of the final six shows of the event.
Starting the evening was Wisharawish Akarasantisook and his label WISHARAWISH. For his S/S27 collection titled Salade de Fruits, the Thai designer worked with five textile producers across his home country to produce the materials for the collection, resulting in pieces using handwoven fabrics that played on color, contrast, and harmony. Contemporary design met Thai craftsmanship and culture in Akarasantisook’s crystal and silk-laden presentation.
Next was Hong Kong label PONDER.ER, led by creative duo Alex Po and Derek Cheng. The duo turned to Hong Kong’s bustling cityscape and architecture for a collection that explored lines that both connect and disrupt the form and how they can be constricting and freeing at the same time. It made for a show that straddled the divide between structure and spontaneity, as Hong Kong’s urban life and living were translated into a breezy and playful sheerness.
Manila-based brands Viktor and Just Bonita were a study in contrasts in their Creative Exchange. The former took over the runway with a distinctly punk attitude through pieces adorned in leather, flannel, and spikes that exuded structure and sharp design. The latter, meanwhile, brought the sparkle, sheer fabric, butterfly hair clips, and an unapologetically feminine energy with a collection centered on metamorphosis. For the label, change and transformation came in the form of fluid silhouettes that highlighted the softness and movement of the pieces.
Two years ago, Filipino-British designer Prince Padilla won the MEGA Young Designers Competition. Now, he takes his work and creativity across Asia with his label, Novel, and their runway show rooted in color, expression, and his take on the English traditions he grew up with, having been raised in the UK. Here, there was a heavy use of color and a play on coats, jackets, and dresses through inventive silhouettes and construction.
Finally, Taiwanese designer Sophie Hong closed the evening with a presentation that, from the very first look, made it clear that it was from an artisan who has spent decades honing her craft in silks. Titled Wearable Art, each ensembleEnsembleA complete, coordinated outfit in which each garment and accessory is chosen to work together as one look. Stylists build ensembles around a theme, color story, or occasion, and theGo to Ensemble Glossary was made with silk produced through a traditional process involving plant-based dyes, sunlight, and iron-rich mud. The collection was a showcase of intricate textures that demanded a closer look.
They were completed with traditional footwear every model wore on the runway and nature-themed music produced by renowned Taiwanese musician and DJ Lim Giong that soundtracked the show. Contemporary design blended with cultural craftsmanship and artistry in a way only Hong can do, leading to not only the largest collection of Fashion Week Asia at 37 looks, but also one of the most striking.
It made for a proper way to end the runway shows as Fashion Week Asia enters its final leg. From young designers to established names, Day 3 showcased how Asia continues to be a hub for fashion’s history and where it’s going over the next generations.
Featured Image and Photos: Courtesy of FASHION WEEK ASIA. Photographed by EXCEL PANLAQUE of KLIQ INC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 3 was the final runway day of Fashion Week Asia, featuring six shows from WISHARAWISH, PONDER.ER, Viktor, Just Bonita, Novel, and Sophie Hong, closing the event with presentations rooted in Asian textile heritage and contemporary design.
WISHARAWISH is the label of Thai designer Wisharawish Akarasantisook, who worked with five textile producers across Thailand for his S/S27 collection Salade de Fruits, blending handwoven fabrics with crystal and silk detailing.
Taiwanese designer Sophie Hong closed Day 3 with Wearable Art, the largest Fashion Week Asia collection at 37 looks, made with traditionally dyed silk and accompanied by custom music from musician Lim Giong.
Prince Padilla is a Filipino-British designer and MEGA Young Designers Competition winner who presented his label Novel, drawing on English traditions through greens, blues, and pinks across inventive coats, jackets, and dresses.
Day 3 of Fashion Week Asia took place at the historic Palacio de Memoria in Manila, with Founder and Co-Chair Apples Aberin opening the evening ahead of the event’s final six runway presentations.
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