Avel Bacudio Celebrates Native Opulence at LA Fashion Week
The City of Angels goes amped up last October with the return of LA Fashion Week this year. It couldn’t be more exciting with the confluence of esteemed non-LA-based fashion artisans for this week-long affair. Most especially, the Philippines’ very own fashion houses receive the limelight to showcase their craft. Each presenter tells a distinctive story through their fascinating collection. And for Avel Bacudio, he dedicates his Spring-Summer 2023 collection to his Filipino heritage and roots. He truly believes that the country has a beautiful and rich story to tell and this manifested through his collection.
Avel celebrates the beauty of Filipino Heritage
In most cases, wherever the wind takes an artisan, they will always stay true to their respective roots. This is the same case with Bacudio, It was indeed important for him to showcase what the Filipinos have for this collection. From the rich resources, the elements, and the detailing, to the local artisans and suppliers—these are all well represented in Avel’s collection.
Our country is rich in natural resources, hence the use of materials such as Mindanao Silk, Piña, and Jusi. I also included the Sampaguita (national flower) and the Anahaw (national leaf) as elements in building my collection.
The collection consists of black-and-white ensembles, rich in details and playful when it comes to silhouettes and proportions. Avel Bacudio also integrates botanical and floral patterns that breathe new life into the pieces. All referenced from our very own Anahaw and Sampaguita.
Moreover, the designer maximized not only the conventional elements and designs that represent the Filipino heritage but even Architecture. We can also notice Avel Bacudio’s penchant for streetwear in this collection. While grandeur and opulence will always be synonymous with the house’s tenets and these are in full display.
Impeccably tailored bomber jackets also emerged. Who said jusi fabric is only limited to barong and formal wear? Avel Bacudio fearlessly explored the usage of this fabric with a contemporary ensemble. From womenswear to menswear the fabric highlights the country’s exquisite material executed in full grandeur. (I just know Heart Evangelista eyes on one of these pieces)
This spring-summer collection also highlights empowered and modern Filipinas with its dramatic and scene-stealer pieces. These too, loudly represent Filipino roots and heritage fused with a modern element well executed by Avel Bacudio and his team.
Avel Bacudio on creating ensembles for fashionably smart men and women.
Furthermore, with the plethora of foreign trends and aesthetics in fashion, modern Filipinos detach from our native craftsmanship. This is what Bacudio introduces to modern Filipinos who are fashionably smart. Those who have that certain level of appetite for a touch of Native Opulence. The designer carfted these pieces for fashionably smart Filipinos who understand and appreciate remarkable Filipino craftsmanship.
It is a new story that I wanted to tell about my heritage. Everything was locally made and sourced, from the weaved fabrics down to the Marikina-made footwear. Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were also represented in the entire collection.
Needless to say, Our heritage has so much to offer, and Avel attests to this through his exemplary collection. From Luzon, and Visayas to Mindanao these are all portrayed in the spectacle. It’s an amalgamation of the beauty of these three islands translated to a full grandeur for contemporary Filipinos.
Photos courtesy of Dion Trinidad and Leah Rivera
