Recently, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has made quite a fashion buzz once again as she’s stunned in a Vogue Italia feature. The fashion editorial has truly put the spotlight on Filipino fashion craftsmanship, as well as Philippine indigenous fabrics and raw materials. The beauty queen and actress described the entire thing as “Philippine indi-GENIUS”, as she got to work with Kandama, a social enterprise that “spreads festive Filipino vibes through fashion and the arts”, Okada Manila, and some brilliant Filipino fashion designers.

“We focus and shine the light on our weavers from Lih’han Di Immipugo of Kiangan, Ifugao @lihhan_di_immipugo. This is a look at our culture into the future: of what could have been, and what it could still be. There is much to see and learn — from our ever-evolving culture, from every Filipino’s heART and soul. Everything is intertwined and in fashion, it’s inspiring when different creatives come together — from weavers to designers to artists to photographers. New stories arise from each concept piece, each photo output,” Pia shared on Instagram about the Vogue Italia feature.

One of the amazing looks modeled by Pia was created by talented style visionary Thian Rodriguez, who has been known for crafting come-hither leatherwear and chainmail pieces, bold accessories, and edgy footwear.

VOGUE ITALIA, Photo by MJ Suayan, Leatherwear by Thian Rodriguez

Thian got to share with us his collaboration with Kandama and Pia Wurtzbach in an interview:

Stylish: Can you tell us more about your collaboration with Kandama and Pia? How did it all come about?

Thian: “The whole collaboration started when Victor Baguilat Jr. of Kandama asked me if I’m interested in joining his shoot with Pia Wurtzbach and MJ Suayan. Initially, he asked me to do separates or accessories that will go along with his collection. But eventually, I was given a whole layout to do an entire look. The Vogue Italia feature was made possible because of MJ Suayan, our photographer, who has been collaborating with  Vogue Italia for years. Our major sponsor and venue partner is Okada Manila.”

Stylish: What is your inspiration behind your creations for this collaboration? 

Thian: “The concept of the feature is indigenous futurism. Since I was known for my leather pieces, the whole idea is infusing local fabrics into my signature leather treatment.”

Stylish: What are the materials you used? 

Thian: “I used vinyl leather, metal hardwares, and Kandama’s weaves handwoven Lih’han Di Immipugo of Kiangan, Ifugao. The  fabric features a repetitive pattern of Bahay Kubo.”

Stylish: How was your creative process like for this one? 

Thian: “I don’t think I really follow a particular process. It’s very organic when I design. Sometimes it’s about what I feel, what  my guts are telling me, my current mode, instinct, etc. But there is one common denominator in all of my designs: it  always mirrors the wearer’s identity.”

VOGUE ITALIA, Photo by MJ Suayan, Leatherwear by Thian Rodriguez

“As I’ve mentioned, I was initially asked to make separates or accessories only but eventually, I was given a whole layout to do an entire look. However, the one layout allotted to feature an entire look created by just me was not published by Vogue Italia. Aside from the other one that got featured and published, I also made an oversized robe in silver lame chainmail and Kandama weave trimmings at the neckline and sleeves. I’ve been using local weave for quite some time for my accessories and bags, but this was the first time I’m using it for an  ensemble.”

BTS photo by Rax Mercado
Behind-the-scenes: Designer Thian Rodriguez dressing up Pia Wurtzbach
BTS: Some scenes from the Vogue Italia photo shoot at Okada Manila

“Pia Wurtzbach truly mirrors my brand’s identity, and I drew my inspiration from her confidence and how she  empowers people.”

To learn more about Kandama, you may visit kandamaweave.com. To view the Vogue Italia feature in full, click here.

Official photos by Mj Suayan 

BTS photos by Rax Mercado and BLACKMRKT 

Concept by Victor Baguilat Jr. 

Assisted by Shih-Hao Hsu and Patrick Henri Caunan. Makeup by Mickey See. 

Hair by Renz Pangilinan. 

Ensemble by THIAN Rodriguez Manila x Kandama. Jewelry by Mari Grace of MJorian and Christine Tiu of AMAMI. Shoes by LA Glamour Queen and Roweliza Landicho.  

Pia’s team: 

Rikka Fernandez 

Py Caunan 

Anelle Charity 

In partnership with: 

Tophat Entertainment and Events headed by Fonzy Mendoza. LIT Management Consulting 

Housecall MD 

Producer and Official Venue Partner: 

Okada Manila 

Okada PR representative: Donna Patricia Lopez Manio