PH Consulate General in NY Promotes PH Fabric, Culture, Trade

30 students of High School of Fashion Industries based in New York City reached visit the Philippine Consulate General New York on 07 May for an Information Session on Philippine culture. (NY PCG Photo)

NEW YORK 25 May 2018 – 30 students from the High School of Fashion Industries in New York, accompanied by their Guidance Counsellor, Wilson Sia, visited the Philippine Consulate General New York on 06 May with the aim of exploring Philippine culture, values and trade, with emphasis on Philippine heritable designs and fabrics.

The High School of Fashion Industries provides technical and academic training for New York City students with a specially tailored program for students interested in a fashion-related field. Mr. Sia informed the Consulate that 25% of the school’s students are accepted by the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology every year.

During the information session, Vice Consul Khrys Corpuz presented a virtual journey to the regions of the Philippines, showcasing their distinct cultures and traditions, highlighting their festivals, fabrics and fashion, and introducing their peoples.

Mr. Nicanor Bautista, Senior Trade Representative, shared information regarding the new growth areas in trade and investment of the country. He said Philippine textiles are experiencing a resurgence. He noted that in 1980’s, during the age of quotas, the Philippines was one of the top exporters of apparel to the United States and emphasized that currently, the Philippines supplies many of the famous brand-name stores in the US like Ann Taylor, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach and many others.

Mr. Anthony Legarda, a designer and one of the founders of the Hinabi Project, also briefed the students about Philippine indigenous weaving traditions and the handing down of heritage designs and techniques. He highlighted a panel of Tinalak fabric, which will be part of the Philippine Consulate’s cultural exhibit in June.

Mr. Legarda also presented Philippine Textiles at the Grand Central Station during the Explore Island Philippines expo held in New York from 09 to 12 May. END

Anthony Legarda, a fashion designer and one of the founders of the Hinabi Project, presents Philippine textiles during the Explore Islands Philippines expo held at the Grand Central Station on 11 May 2018. (NY PCG Photo)

For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/