Binibining Pilipinas candidates champion their roles in advocacy clad in sustainable ensembles
More than representing women in the beauty sphere, beauty queens also take pride in their societal advocacies. Through this act, the community is increasingly influenced to engage in a phenomenon that needs change or improvement in a society. It is no secret that the Philippines have become popular with beauty pageants as Filipinos’ interest towards local and international contests are not just about beauty, but they also showcase a deep dive of each candidate’s voice.
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With the recently concluded fashion show called Women Reinvent, the Binibining Pilipinas organization presents their purpose even more—but this time, by raising awareness on sustainability in the fashion industry.
PNay
Participating in the sustainable movement that paved the way in reinventing fashion norms is Filipino fashion designer PNay. It is a brand that creates clothing pieces that are ideal for everyday-wear with Filipino culture-inspired patterns. Some Binibining Pilipinas candidates who wore the pieces on the runway were Juvel Bea, Elaiza Alzona, Lyra Punsalan, Paulina Labayo, Gianna Llanes, and Mirjan Hipolito. These beauty queens represented the designer’s vision towards environmental awareness while donning clothing pieces made of hand-woven fabrics—a movement helping to preserve the traditional technique of the Yakan Tribe in Basilan.
Gianna Llanes walked on stage in a dress with haltered habi top. The subtle hues of the Philippine flag in the dress were part of the ensemble’s highlights. Meanwhile, Lyra Punsalan stood out with her Cusi Top, made of hand-woven fabric by the Yakan tribe. The top’s intricate design served as a testament to the age-old weaving tradition preserved by the traditional weavers. Last but not the least, Elaiza Alzona looked gorgeous in the Kalesa Arte skirt, which features an embroidery on linen crafted by the artists of Lumban, Laguna. The exquisite design of the skirt was commissioned from renowned artist Ced Zabala, and complemented the beauty queen’s overall look.
Adam Balasa
Another talented designer in the Women Reinvent fashion show was Adam Balasa. He is the one who champions a straightforward representation of Filipino roots in his designs. His designs worn by the Binibining Pilipinas candidates were notable as he utilized a deconstructed banig and fishnet elements to add texture and depth to the ensembles. Balasa’s approach to fashion design is refreshing as he embraces his heritage created with a resourceful material to advocate sustainability.
The 59th Binibining Pilipinas candidates who wore his designs from the “Isdaan” collection were Atasha Reign Parani, Andrea Sulangi, Julia Mendoza, Julianne Reyes, and Tracy Lois Bedua. This collection was a beautiful tribute to the Filipino fishermen with materials that can still be used to create fresh products. In their Instagram accounts, these women expressed how proud they were to exhibit the Philippine talent and passion that was infused into the collection. Thus, Balasa’s designs truly speaks reinvention, and the candidates felt honored to wear his creations on the runway.
Russ Cuevas
Russ Cuevas’ way in augmenting sustainability in Filipiniana pieces was represented by Binibining Pilipinas candidates Kiaragiel Gregorio, Samantha Dana Bug-os, Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano, Jessilen Salvador, and Xena Ramos. These women wore Filipinianas constructed in a way where traditional meets modern fashion. The designer chose purple colors ranging from light to dark with floral, fringe, and plaid accents.
Some of the highlights on the runway were the looks of Kiaragiel Gregorio and Xena Ramos. Kiaragiel honored the homegrown designer by wearing a garment depicting patadyong, wherein the traditional masterpiece displayed the indigenous fashion of the Visayan islands. On the other hand, Xena Ramos had the privilege to wear a modern Filipiniana top with embellished flowers. It was designed with a turtleneck detail and a huge bow at the back, which served as its distinct accent.
As Filipinas who support environmental advocacies, the beauty queens in the fashion show felt a sense of pride and admiration for the designers’ ability to present the richness of Filipino culture. Indeed, Women Reinvent was a great start for the series of pre-pageant events and activities of the 59th Binibining Pilipinas, leading to the coronation night in May of 2023.