Manila, Philippines — The magic of fashion collides with the rich tapestry of Ilocos Norte’s heritage as designers Neil Patrick Jimlani and Mark Joseph Sayad embark on a journey of reimagining the masterful inabel weavings of National Living Treasure Magdalena Gamayo.
This enchanting convergence unfolds through the captivating canvas of the “Panaglaga Ti Ladga: Weave Transcending Time” fashion exhibition—a captivating celebration brought to life by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in collaboration with the City Government of Davao and SM Lanang Premier.
Drenched in the essence of indigenous weaving traditions and innovation, “Panaglaga Ti Ladga: Weave Transcending Time” seeks to forge an unbreakable bridge between the threads of tradition and the pulse of modernity. An endeavor that champions the resilient bond between cultural legacies and the dynamic pulse of contemporary allure. This exhibition stands as both an homage to Magdalena Gamayo’s enduring legacy as a cultural beacon and a salute to Davao City’s thriving fashion panorama.
Director Oscar Casaysay, the visionary force behind the NCCA, underscores the pivotal role of this event in intertwining the North and South. “Davao City’s enduring fusion of fashion and Mindanao textiles provides the perfect backdrop,” Casaysay explains. He adds that the convergence of Northern cultural communities in Davao during the Kadayawan Festival evokes a narrative of unity, resonating through the language of couture.
Mark Joseph Sayad paints a resplendent picture of devotion on the runway as he captures the soul of the iconic San Pedro Cathedral in his collection. Inspired by the cathedral’s captivating architecture, Mark transforms Magdalena’s inabel into a symphony of modern formal wear. His designs encompass an array of elegant gowns and sleek suit ensembles for men. The cherished pinalagtwan and kahonado motifs, interwoven with the timeless binakol kusikos, metamorphose into contemporary masterpieces adorned with geometric embellishments. Notable highlights include the graceful gray oversized dress coat embellished with binakol kusikos patterns, the alluring bags crafted from inabel, and the beguiling deep blue halter gown adorned with intricate geometric weaving—worn gracefully by Nicole.
The exhibition, a testimony to the magic woven by both designers, has found its home at SM Lanang Premier’s atrium, an enchanting gallery where two worlds unite through threads of artistry. The pieces stand as living emblems of culture and creativity, revealing the delicate dance between tradition and modern flair.
As the pages of fashion history turn, “Panaglaga Ti Ladga: Weave Transcending Time” remains an iconic chapter, narrating the tale of how the brilliance of inabel weavings crafted by Magdalena Gamayo finds its rebirth within the imaginative hands of Neil Patrick Jimlani and Mark Joseph Sayad.