In support of artists in Hawaii and the Philippines, the virtual Aloha and Mabuhay Conference will be showcasing works of local artists Iris Gil Viacrusis and Lydia Querian of Daily Malong, and Philippine-based couturiers Jearson Demavivas and Frederick Berches on October 13 and 14.
Viavursis is an artist that creates wearable works of art for women such as gowns that can be worn in three ways: contemporary sleeveless gown, butterfly sleeves of the terno or with bell sleeves and panuelo.
Born in Olongapo City, Philippines and raised in Palompon, Leyte, Viacrusis graduated in Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Tech College.
In 2001, he moved to Paris, France to attend fashion school and work at designer companies such as Dior, Chanel and Valentino among others. He moved to Hawaii in 2005 where his love for Filipino fashion and culture led to Habi at Baro exhibit which has been showcased in various venues.
Moreover, he’s the costume designer of historical costumes for the Royal Court of the Merrie Monarch Festival and has been reconstructing Hawaiian monarchy gowns for the Iolani Palace. He is also an active promoter of the Sakada Day celebrations every December 20th.
Querian, founder of Daily Malong, works with indigenous weavers with pride, joy and respect. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the weaving process, witnessing how textiles are sourced, processed and woven.
Through Daily Malong, she builds relationships, acknowledges the talent and collaborates with different designers, seamstresses and other artisans. Part of the brand’s goal is to bring indigenous into the present and future.
Querian helps the Filipinx in the diaspora to have a better understanding assist in navigating through their identity using fashion as a tool in this journey.
Demavivas, who hails from South Cotabato, is known for the iconic costume of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Known in the beauty pageant industry as a designer who proudly uses Filipino textiles, he made sure to source fabrics from the T’boli tribe when creating Gray’s costume in the 2018 Miss Universe pageant.
He notes that the Philippines has a rich culture that deserves to be showcased. His future goal is to mass-produce pieces using indigenous fabric to support the local community and represent the Philippines outside of the country.
Berches is a designer from Lumban, Laguna who specializes in traditional Filipino fabrics and has dressed multiples celebrities and athletes.
Born in Pampanga and raised in Baguio City, Berches graduated with a degree in BS Management, but he later enrolled at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines to widen his knowledge in fashion. He then started a Barong Tagalog business wherein he innovated the traditional design of Barong Tagalong into a modern creation.
His business was heavily affected by the pandemic but that did not stop him from doing what he loves. He created barong style face masks to accentuate one’s outfit.
Don’t miss out on the upcoming virtual Aloha & Mabuhay Conference on October 13 and 14! To learn more about our fashionable participants, register at hpbec.com.
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