Held at the Conrad Hotel in Osaka, a cultural affair was made as Filipino and Japanese designers presented their works at the TAYO Fashion Showcase
The language of art never fails to pass barriers. Dialects, ideologies, and preferences seem to blur once we view such artworks as they are and we analyze them with little to no prejudice. This speaks volumes about how influential and versatile all forms of art are, and how they continue to contribute to society’s outlook on uniformity amidst differences.
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We see this translate vastly as designers from around the world bring their creations infused with various cultures to life. And just recently, a showcase was held at the Conrad Hotel in Osaka, where both Filipino and Japanese designers presented their work that conveyed a message of friendship and unity.
A play in language was made for the affair as they decided to name it the TAYO Fashion Showcase. In Filipino, tayo translates to we or us, as well as stand or rise, depending on the pronunciation. Meanwhile, in Japan, the word means diverse or multicultural—two meanings that hold such significance in today’s society. After understanding the message behind the words, we’re crafting our own message with the two translations—a stand for diversity.
In a quick interview with Feanne, one of the designers who participated in the project, she was able to emphasize on the message of diversity even more. The designer expressed, “I hope that we are contributing something of value to the collective work being created by all such cross-border projects.”
It’s a concept that is very much evident in the exhibition as the seven artists and designers featured their work that displayed such range in their creativity. For this year’s roster, Feanne, J Makitalo, Ken Samudio, Pamela Madlangbayan, Haruka Hirai, Kate Torralba, and fashion brand kkjk were chosen to be a part of the exhibition.
There is no doubt that the exhibit had an array of exquisite designs. Pamela Madlangbayan utilized upcycled kimono’s from Kyoto to create Filipiniana pieces in a contemporary style, while Ken Samudio presented his signature technique with his hand-beaded aquatic pieces. As for the designs they all displayed, the designers only saw what each one was presenting on the day of the exhibition. Even though they didn’t coordinate with one another, their designs still meshed well together since they used a similar color palette.
Beyond the creations, projects such as the TAYO Fashion Showcase prompts a greater purpose that can strengthen a bond between two countries. It goes to show how art and fashion isn’t used to simply portray one’s creativity, but also as an instrument that can bring two worlds together.
Photos: TAYO FASHION SHOWCASE
