A fusion of timeless pieces and stunning new designs plus a tradition of elegance, good taste and style were showcased in Habi: Weaving the Fabric of Life held, a fashion gala held recently at the National Museum of the Filipino People. It was a glittering part of the 2nd ASEAN Traditional Textiles Symposium.

Local celebrities, prominent social figures and fashionistas arrived at the museum’s Marble Hall in traditional-inspired formal party regalia, an affirmation of the home-grown textile industry.

The opulent selection of contemporary global clothes was put together from a panoply of indigenous textiles such as abaca, abel, Aurora silk, hablon, Iloilo silk, piña, raffia and silk cocoon. Rendered by five among the Philippines’ foremost couturiers—Randy Ortiz, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan and Cary Santiago–their designs did not disappoint.

"Worn by our guest and professional models with grace and pride, the fabulous new designs boasted a play of neutral colors, patterns and materials which greatly impressed visiting symposium participants from Southeast Asia," Jackie Aquino, Habi fashion show director, said.

Cocktail dresses, evening gowns and two-piece ensembles in cream and taupe came out to the runway at either end of the museum’s Marble Hall. Randy Ortiz also threw in a few long-sleeved button-up shirts and stylish suit trousers for men.

"Sometimes we have the idea that Philippine textiles are only good for Filipiniana. We wanted to demonstrate that like Thai silk, our local fabrics can be worn and integrated into wearable daily outfits or high-fashion designs," Armita Rufino, Museum Foundation president and Habi fashion show committee chair, said. "The local textile industry is in the process of exploring the development of sustainable weaving communities. What we produce is part and parcel of our Filipino identity – our culture."

Beyond that objective, each weaving community, many coming from indigenous groups all over the islands, were delighted to note that they were not alone. "A deep kinship has sprung up between various group of weavers," Maribel Ongpin, co-chair of the symposium, said. "We certainly hope, also, to have raised awareness for the lovely range of what is out there in the hinterlands."

The Museum Foundation of the Philippines and the National Museum, in cooperation with the Office of the President, ASEAN Foundation, Japan/ASEAN Solidarity Fund, the Department of Tourism and the Himpunan Wastraprema in Indonesia, organized the symposium.

Sponsors were the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes, Ayala Foundation, Inc., Filipino Heritage Festival, Inc., the SM Group of Companies, Intramuros Administration, National Historical Institute, Philippine Airlines Foundation, Inc., and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.