ARTS & CULTURE
Ambassadors of Filipino Fashion to the World The Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines Inspired by the Philippine Couture Association set up by fashion legends Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales et al. in 1958, and the Fashion Designers Guild of the Philippines, lead by Ramon Valera, the FDAP was established in 1981 in a most opportune time when the concept of prêt-a-porter designer clothes was starting to catch on in the local market. Spearheaded by prominent designers Cesar Gaupo and Ernest Santiago, the group was an amalgamation of the top and talented names in Philippine fashion design. The FDAP’s sudden burst into the fashion scene was welcome news to the Philippine’s garment and design industry as it acted as the representative body whose goal is to bring Filipino designers successfully to the international market. Known for its glittering galas, which presented fresh fashion ideas with an undeniable Filipino flair, the FDAP made news abroad in trade shows and missions, wowing foreign spectators with the buoyant Filipino sartorial spirit and world-renowned craftsmanship. In celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2006, the FDAP published the book Sagala: The Queen of Philippine Festivals, a sumptuous tome dedicated to the preservation and continuance of Filipino May time festivities – the sagala, in an effort to remind Filipinos of these wonderful traditions. The book, created with the help of Alfred Mendoza and FDAP member Richard Papa, captures, in beautiful photographs, the best sagala and hermana gowns created by present and past members in the last 25 years. The book also features outstanding Bodyshots models from batch 1987 to the present. An ode to Philippine traditions, Sagala is a legacy to Filipinos who would carry the beautiful custom through to the next 25 years and beyond. For information on FDAP and the book Sagala, check out www.fdapsilver.com