"Fashion is not just all about glitz and glamour, it can always be political." That's what Eman Riñoza, a 21-year-old fashion design student, noted about his craft. Eman was one of the passionate students who spearheaded the event entitled "Pink Revolution: A Historical Fashion Show for VP Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan." The eye-catching event took place at the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center in Quezon City last May 4, 2022.
Various Filipino artists have used different creative mediums to send out important messages to the public and these young creatives are not an exemption.
11 fashion designers dedicated their time and showcased their talents through beautifully crafted clothes in support of their presidential and vice-presidential bets. Among the designers were Kalvin Barrios, Ulysses Caragayan, Vic Fajatin, Jan Fernandez, Jas Hosena, Jovanne Irenio, Arwin Meriales, John Jade Montecalvo, Raina Novales, Emanuel Riñoza, and Mikayl Trinidad.
Kalvin Barrios
Kalvin Barrios was also one of the people who spearheaded the event and worked tirelessly to make the show happen. According to Barrios, the suit-like top embodies the tagline "The best man for the job is a woman." "The overall design is simple just like VP Leni, a simple Filipino from a simple family that can understand the problems and struggles of her countrymen," he highlighted. It took Barrios 12 working hours to finish this gorgeous gown.
Ulysses Caragayan
Caragayan worked on this piece for 15 hours. It is inspired by VP Robredo's campaign tagline "Kulay Rosas ang Bukas." "The flowers signify bravery and determination," he said. Caragayan also shared that he is inspired and motivated by the strength and resilience of women, especially manifested by Robredo being the only female presidential candidate.
Vic Fajatin
According to Fajatin, he crafted this piece with the hope of a unified country and with peace that comes with supporting a leader that represents the best attributes of being a Filipino. "The hope for peace is represented through the silhouette of a dove. Peace within oneself is what we need to have a more united country," the designer said.
Jan Fernandez
"Vivid Fuchsia" is the title Fernandez gave his chic striped gown. He took inspiration from the color of VP Leni's campaign which, for him, signifies a forward attitude and the strong personality of a woman. It took Fernandez three days to finish this piece.
Jas Hosena
Jas Hosena's piece was made with metallic gazar material. "This jumpsuit has a subtle shine that enhances its ultra-feminine silhouette," she remarked. The layered ruffles on the side and the pearl embellishments, truly make this design unique. It took a month for Hosena to finish this detailed pink jumpsuit.
Jovanne Irenio
According to Irenio, he was inspired by the iconic vibrant pink color of Flamingos. He said that this elegant Fuschia column gown is all about expressiveness and vibrance. "Symbolizing beauty and balance, it reminds us to seek effortless grace and poise in our own lives," he noted. It took Irenio 15 hours to finish this piece.
Arwin Meriales
Arwin Meriales' eye-catching design features two looks that beautifully represent the Leni-Kiko tandem. According to Meriales, the striking green cape has two designs on each sleeve that resemble leaves. On the other hand, the 2nd look is a sophisticated Fuschia pink pantsuit matched with a strong and fitting corset.
John Jade Montecalvo
"My inspiration for this piece is a message of hope which VP Leni gave us during the campaign period," John Jade Montecalvo said. He used the primary materials for many of his existing designs which are traditional rags to show the craftsmanship of every rug-maker in Payatas. His piece features the phrase "Let Leni Lead" at the back of the design. Overall, it took two days for Montevalco to finish this captivating rug fringe piece.
Raina Novales
Raina Novales gave her piece the title "Bulaklak" which was made from scrap or retaso fabric. This short layered dress truly shows the resourcefulness and creativity of young designers like Novales, especially with the detailed stockings which elevated the entire look.
Emanuel Riñoza
Eman Riñoza, said he wanted to create a piece that embodied himself, his passion, and his trust in the Leni-Kiko tandem. Riñoza explained that his was "A design that is not just a shade of pink, but a spectrum of hope, dignity, and respect for the future of our country." It took Riñoza two days to finish this piece which also aligns with his personal advocacy: #LetBoysBeFeminine.
Mikayl Trinidad
According to Mikayl Trinidad, "As a designer, I drew inspiration from her look and campaign and used a very vibrant pink which equated how vibrant and clear her plans are for the future of our country." He also took inspiration from the volunteer-engined tagline "The best man for the job is a woman." It took him one week to conceptualize and only one day to finish this alluring suit.
The Pink Revolution Fashion Show did not just involve these talented designers and models but numerous significant people behind the scenes such as makeup artists, photographers, hairstylists, and assistants who were all volunteers. It truly takes a village to build a show from the ground up and the hard work and passion of these young creatives are nothing short of amazing.
How it was all stitched together
As a first-time voter, Eman attended the "Araw Na10 'To" Pasay Rally and was inspired to contribute to the campaign in the best way he could–through fashion.
What started as a humble idea to bring in a few of his friends to an upcoming rally in Metro Manila and start a mini-show or flash mob on the sidelines, slowly became the main event at the Leni-Kiko Headquarters through tiny acts of volunteerism.
“Ang daming nag-volunteer. Doon ako medyo nagulat. Ang navi-visualize ko lang talaga nung una yung parang limang models lang and dalawang designers tapos isang makeup artist.”
Eman was surprised when more than 50 people, all volunteers, chose to be involved in the process to make the show happen.
“Super happy talaga ako. Kasi sa mga rallies diba sinasabi nila, doon mo mafe-feel yung sense of volunteerism ng mga tao for VP Leni and Sen. Kiko… Doon sa fashion show na ‘Pink Revolution’, doon ko mas na-witness yung volunteerism ng bawat isa. Nakita ko lahat talaga sila they’re not asking for anything in return they just want to do it (for the support) for the Leni-Kiko tandem.”
When asked why he chose to support the tandem, Eman said that he believed in them. “Gusto kong maging part nung revolution na yun. I wanted to be not just part of history, but part of the future as well. Kasi whatever we do now for our country, it’s also for our future,” he added.
Fashion is not apolitical
Political statements and protests made through fashion are no stranger to people in the Philippines. This is especially true during the State of Nation Address (SONA) of presidents in our country where politicians arrive in their "protest-wear".
In 2019, Kabataan Partylist Representative Sarah Elaga and her guests wore sashes that protest against extrajudicial killings.
In 2020, Bayan Muna Representatives wore different clothes to protest against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat wore a traditional Monobo attire. Her red sash was embroidered with the phrases "Lupang Ninuno Depensahan, Ipaglaban!" and "Terror Law Ibasura!"
Rep. Ferdinand Gaite wore a hand-painted barong which illustrates Filipinos coming together to revolt against a man with iron claws.
It is important to note that while many of the protest-wear of politicians were able to make it to the red carpet during the previous SONAs, there have been instances where SONA security personnel and members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) tried to confiscate protest material according to previous reports by Rappler.
These are only some of the many instances when fashion was used to shed light on the most important issues in our country. Many Filipino fashion designers continue to incorporate their advocacies and beliefs into the clothes they sketch and sew.
Newly sewn hope
Like many people who tirelessly and wholeheartedly volunteered for the Leni-Kiko tandem, Eman was devastated when the partial and unofficial results of the elections were released on the eve of May 9, 2022. "I saw how pink it was. The rallies, the people… I don't know what happened," he gloomily said.
Although the movement doesn't end after the elections. On May 13, VP Leni announced that she will launch the Angat Buhay non-governmental organization (NGO) on July 1, which was originally a program of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). "Unang araw ng Hulyo, ilulunsad ang Angat Buhay NGO. Bubuuin ang pinakamalawak na volunteer center sa kasaysayan ng bansa," Robredo shared with her supporters during their campaign’s thanksgiving event.
Eman says that he and his friends, who were also part of the Pink Revolution Fashion Show, plan to volunteer and contribute in ways they can to the organization in the future.
The elections may have ended but the spark of volunteerism that started through the pink movement continues to burn as artists such as Eman carry on with their innovation and passion. Recently, Eman sewed old campaign tarpaulins of VP Leni into durable and stylish bags. Eman says he still has hope for the exciting part.
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