2014 SoFA grad show: ‘Storytelling through design’

MANILA, Philippines – It was a graduation march without togas and graduation caps. Instead, models in high heels, outlandish prints, and eclectic looks mounted the stage, marching to upbeat music and flashing lights.

On Wednesday, March 19 at the Rockwell Tent in Makati, 20 graduating students of the School of Fashion & the Arts each presented 6 original garments in a fashion show, showcasing their talent and passion.

Master educator Danilo Franco paid homage to their hard work in his speech.

“Creating garments for a fashion show such as this is certainly no easy task,” he said, proud of what his students have accomplished. “I was witness to all of it. It exacted blood, sweat, yes, tears from everyone… But I want to congratulate each and every graduate for pulling through.”

SoFA co-founder Amina Aranaz highlighted the institution’s commitment to “promoting design as a positive force in the society, economy, and in people’s lives.”

20 Stories

For the graduating students of SoFA, their commencement exercise was a welcome march into the fashion industry. But more than becoming full-fleged fashion designers, the students also became storytellers, said SoFA dean Toby Guggenheimer, noting how the graduates shared a part of themselves and their culture through their creations.

“What you’ll witness is not just fashion, instead, you’ll be introduced to the art of storytelling through design,” he said, addressing the crowd of family, friends, and media gathered to witness the fruit of months of painstaking labor. 

One of the graduates, Guia Alvendia, echoed this, sharing how grateful she is that the school had gifted them with artistic freedom.

“It’s very, very rare that a school lets its students design whatever they want to, but the school trusted us enough to do that and we really thank them for that.”

True enough, the students’ creations were each a testament to their hunger for self-expression, a narrative of their passions and dreams.

The audience watched in awe as a woman astronaut walked on stage, clad in a pastel colored space suit and a clear bubble headpiece. A chorus of awws resonated when toddlers wobbled on stage, dressed as modern-day knights with miniature swords and pillow-like armor. Bold prints and bright hues were all the rage and afros made a comeback. Toward the latter part, there was a scare from ladies completely covered in black drapes.

See all that and more here. Photos by Inoue Jaena / Rappler:

– Rappler.com