The graduating students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program gave mallgoers a glimpse of fashion’s bright future in Sinulid: The Connotations of Design, an exhibition and show held recently at SM Aura Premier.

The fashion show at SM Aura Premier’s Samsung Hall featured the creations of the students in the Fashion Design group, who worked closely with guest mentor Anat Heifetz and Jerome Lorico. Meanwhile, design critic sessions brought in designers Dennis Lustico, Ivarluski Aseron, Barge Ramos, and photographer Johann Bona. 

The students were inspired by topics including movies, countries, literature, art and various personal experiences.  They were able to express their own design identity as they explored traditional textile design practices like dyeing, printing, and knitting. Non-traditional methods included digital design, alternative surface treatments, media, and technologies.

After the runway show, participants were surprised when it was announced that the Top 10 participants selected by a distinguished board of judges have a chance to showcase their creations at the upcoming season of Manila Fashion Festival. 

The judges included designers Albert Andrada, Rajo Laurel, Dennis Lustico, Ivar Aseron, Barge Ramos, and CJ Cruz, as well as Irene Araneta, Saga’s Robby Carmona, and Hinge’s Bea Ledesma. 

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and the Arts Dean Emeritus Joey Yupangco, Associate Dean Cynthia Funk and mentor Heifetz also joined in the selection.

Fashion Design and Merchandising Program’s Chairperson Lulu Tan-Gan, who spearheaded the event, said that through this program, “We aim to raise a generation of Filipino designers with individuality and Filipino sensibility.”