LOOK: Filipino designers create ‘araw brooch’ for 2020 SONA

Several female legislators promoted a brooch designed by a local Filipino brand as a show of support for an industry that’s struggling – like many others – during the coronavirus pandemic. 

According to a news release from the House of Representatives, the brooch was designed specifically for legislators to wear during the 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA). It was created by the Philippine Fashion Coalition (PFC), an umbrella organization of fashion professionals from various sub-sectors, and designed by a “young Filipino accessory brand.”

The brooch itself forms a “half-sun silhouette,” which “[signifies] both hope and unity.” It comes in two colors, blue and cream. The blue, according to the PFC, “reflects and represents the deep waters surrounding our thousands of Philippine islands. It symbolizes confidence despite challenges, profound wisdom, stability, and unity.”

It’s made of Inabel fabric that incorporates the 8 sun rays of the Philippine flag but “interpreted in a half-sun symbol that is meant to show that we are always collaborative and become relevant when complemented and made part of the story, and succeedingly, history.” 

Marikina 2nd district Representative Stella Quimbo, principal author of legislation that would help small businesses deal with the economic impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, is among those who spearheaded the House effort. 

The House committee on economic affairs earlier met with personalities from the fashion industry, who detailed the struggles of their colleagues – especially those who aren’t big names yet – as the demand of “slow fashion” diminished because of the pandemic. – Rappler.com