Fashion Designer Happy Andrada, an advocate of Philippine culture, recently launched a collection that merges tradition with modernism. A collection made with cotton, organdy, chiffon, and neoprene paired with Philippine textiles such as Pineapple Abaca, Pineapple Silk, Pineapple Crepe, Philippine Dupioni, Jusi & weaves from Benguet to Lake Sebu, and also combining hand embroidery techniques from Lumban, Laguna. By choosing to work with such materials, she is able to support Filipino skilled artisan workers in several communities who produce these specially-made fabrics.
The collection is purposive to re-integrate the distinctive look of Philippine traditional wear into everyday wear. Stylish, comfy, and timeless, these statement pieces are essential to your daily attire to elevate any outfit with this contemporary take on Filipino national wear. Modernizing traditional Barong, Happy created the beaded barong bomber jacket in 2014. She further innovates the traditional outfit by creating Barong Maong Jacket, Varsity Jacket, Crop top, Barong Hoodie, Barong, Sweater, and Oversized barong dress and even merged it with the Japanese culture by creating a Barong Happi and a Kimono inspired design.
This collection is filled with innovative shapes and forms. Aside from the Barong, Happy also created the modern take on the traditional mestiza, terno blouse, and tapis.
Happy believes that it is important to support and nurture local. Creating ready-to-wear garments made by local weavers would preserve the tradition and would inspire future generations of weavers to learn this unique craft and knowledge that has been handed down throughout Philippine history.
See it below:
This limited collection is available at www.happyandrada.com.
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