Catwalk to Sustainability

 Reta-Show: The Twinning Edition – QC’s enduring conservation project

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Quezon City chief executive, Hon. Joy Belmonte, declared fashion designers Vanjo Asiwan, Ron Renigado, and Prince Charles Galang as co-winners in the recently concluded 3rd Reta-Show competition at the Activity Center of SM Fairview.

All three designers each received a cash prize of Php 70,000. In years past, the competition had a grand winner and two runners-up. This year, however, the Top 3 were al recognized as co-winners.

Asiwan, a graduate from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, got the judges’ approval with his slow fashion translated into very wearable street wear.

Galang, the 43-year-old self-taught designer detailed his creations wirh hidden pockets.

On the other hand, Renigado may be the business-savvy winner as his creations, filled with blooms and/or skyscrapers, were bought off the rack right after the competition.

Showcasing craft and innovation, the finalists were guided by a specific criteria. Their designs must support sustainability and produce a cohesive result; their final pieces must use 70% upcycled materials; and must possess overall wearability.

The other finalists included fashion designers Danryl Purisima, Jashmin Iballo, Catrina Ann Lopez, Janetch Belchez, Niño Casiwan, Edel Santiago, and Sophia Ysabelle Servando.

Fashion designer Avel Bacudio, Prince Jimdel Ventura, and DOST’s Philippine Textile Research Institute head l, Dr. Julius Leaño comprised this year’s judging panel.

Bacudio also presented his resort wear collection, tagged “Amihan,” at the culmination of the competition.