Lulu Tan-Gan espouses farm-to-fashion using weaves handcrafted in the Visayas

Renowned Filipina designer Lulu Tan-Gan is all set to showcase her "Farm-to-Fashion" philosophy that highlights the ethereal beauty and versatility of the piña fabric on Oct. 22 at Shangri-La The Fort for this year's highly anticipated Red Charity Gala.

-  EDD FUENTES

Aptly called "Crafting Fashion," Tan-Gan's newest collection masterfully reimagines the piña as a luxe material, truly reaffirming its prestige and value. "Piña is a luxury material because of all the handwork that is put into it," she explains, adding that the fabric has attained an even more esteemed reputation as it is now included on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity of the UNESCO.

But for Tan-Gan, there is a far greater mission in using piña as her main medium. Through her "Farm-to-Fashion" approach, she's going for a more sustainable direction, using plant-based materials that are carefully handcrafted by generations of indigenous weavers from the Visayas.

Her collection highlights the remarkable design possibilities of the piña, finally lending the fabric unique colors using natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric and sapang. The emerging materials are then designed into masterpieces like boleros, caftans, jackets, capes and coats as well as blouses and dresses that are stylish, soft and easy to wear.