Manila, Philippines — Filipino style visionary Abdul Gaffar put the spotlight on Mindanaoan fashion during his collection runway for Bench Fashion Week 2023 recently.
Inspired by his Maranao heritage, Gaffar showcased a rich tapestry of Southern Filipino culture with his collection dubbed as “From The Lake” which was derived from the meaning of Maranao, which directly translates to “people from the lake”.
“This collection is inspired by the arts and culture of the Maranao people,” Gaffar shared. “I used their fabrics and jewelry, and highlighted the Sarimanok shirt. It is a key piece for me that started it all.”
The designer used jusi and pinya fabrics for his collection, unveiling vibrant designs with soft textures and flowy silhouettes.
The detailed clothing construction techniques of Gaffar are apparent in his runway collection. Truly celebrating his Maranao culture, hints of the malong garment, batik print, intricate craftsmanship and adept layering are showcased, too.