Philippine textiles weave a statement at Italy's prestigious Forma Fashion Show 2025
At the heart of the Forma Fashion Show 2025, held on July 5 at Villa Borghese, Rome, one of Italy's most respected haute couture showcases, Filipino fabrics took center stage: piña jusi, hablon, and abaca transformed into contemporary, high-fashion statements by talented students of Maiani Accademia Moda (MAM). L-R Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan with Hon. Alessandro Onorato, Councilor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion, and Ms. Maria Maiani, Founder and Director of Maiani Accademia Moda
The Philippine Embassy in Rome, in collaboration with MAM, brought this cultural exchange to life with the aim of showing that Philippine heritage fabrics are not relics of the past, but living, breathing materials with global relevance—luxurious, sustainable, and adaptable to the ever-evolving world of style.
MAM's presentation, Bianchi Contaminati ('Contaminated Whites'), broke away from the bold colors typical of Filipino textiles. Instead, the designers embraced a predominantly white palette, allowing the intricate weaves and natural sheen of piña and hablon to speak for themselves. Each of the 20 original designs carried subtle Filipino identity, flowing silhouettes, fine embroidery, and texture-rich layering, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist seamlessly.
'The choice of white was deliberate,' said MAM Founder and Director Maria Maiani. 'It symbolizes purity and openness, perfect for a dialogue between cultures. The Philippine fabrics brought life, soul, and history to every piece.'
Co-organized by the Comune di Roma, the Forma Fashion Show is a platform where Italy's emerging designers, including those from five top fashion schools, gain exposure to industry heavyweights, critics, and media.
This year, the Philippines was not just a guest but a creative collaborator. Dignitaries such as Alessandro Onorato, Rome's Councilor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion; and Roberta Angelilli, Lazio Region's Councilor for Economic Development; lent political and institutional weight to the night. The Philippine delegation, led by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan, ensured the archipelago's heritage was woven, literally and symbolically, into the event's narrative.
The Embassy's initiative aligns with a broader push to position the Philippines as a source of premium, eco-conscious materials for high-end fashion. Piña jusi, handwoven from pineapple fibers; hablon, a Visayan weaving tradition; and abaca, famed for its durability and luster, each tell a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations. By showcasing these textiles in Italy's fashion capital, the event opened the door to possible collaborations between Filipino weavers and Italian fashion houses.
'It's a cultural handshake, a creative bridge that connects our heritage with global possibilities,' Feliciano-Gatmaytan noted. (Alona Cochon)
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Philippine textiles weave a statement at Italy's prestigious Forma Fashion Show 2025
Under the warm glow of a Roman summer evening, the timeless elegance of Villa Borghese became the stage for an unlikely but brilliant fusion: the delicate artistry of Philippine textiles meeting the creative vision of Italy's next generation of designers. At the heart of the Forma Fashion Show 2025, held on July 5 at Villa Borghese, Rome, one of Italy's most respected haute couture showcases, Filipino fabrics took center stage: piña jusi, hablon, and abaca transformed into contemporary, high-fashion statements by talented students of Maiani Accademia Moda (MAM). L-R Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan with Hon. Alessandro Onorato, Councilor for Major Events, Sports, Tourism, and Fashion, and Ms. Maria Maiani, Founder and Director of Maiani Accademia Moda The Philippine Embassy in Rome, in collaboration with MAM, brought this cultural exchange to life with the aim of showing that Philippine heritage fabrics are not relics of the past, but living, breathing materials with global relevance—luxurious, sustainable, and adaptable to the ever-evolving world of style. MAM's presentation, Bianchi Contaminati ('Contaminated Whites'), broke away from the bold colors typical of Filipino textiles. Instead, the designers embraced a predominantly white palette, allowing the intricate weaves and natural sheen of piña and hablon to speak for themselves. Each of the 20 original designs carried subtle Filipino identity, flowing silhouettes, fine embroidery, and texture-rich layering, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist seamlessly. 'The choice of white was deliberate,' said MAM Founder and Director Maria Maiani. 'It symbolizes purity and openness, perfect for a dialogue between cultures. The Philippine fabrics brought life, soul, and history to every piece.' Co-organized by the Comune di Roma, the Forma Fashion Show is a platform where Italy's emerging designers, including those from five top fashion schools, gain exposure to industry heavyweights, critics, and media. This year, the Philippines was not just a guest but a creative collaborator. Dignitaries such as Alessandro Onorato, Rome's Councilor for Major Events, Sport, Tourism, and Fashion; and Roberta Angelilli, Lazio Region's Councilor for Economic Development; lent political and institutional weight to the night. The Philippine delegation, led by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Minister Donna Celeste Feliciano-Gatmaytan, ensured the archipelago's heritage was woven, literally and symbolically, into the event's narrative. The Embassy's initiative aligns with a broader push to position the Philippines as a source of premium, eco-conscious materials for high-end fashion. Piña jusi, handwoven from pineapple fibers; hablon, a Visayan weaving tradition; and abaca, famed for its durability and luster, each tell a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations. By showcasing these textiles in Italy's fashion capital, the event opened the door to possible collaborations between Filipino weavers and Italian fashion houses. 'It's a cultural handshake, a creative bridge that connects our heritage with global possibilities,' Feliciano-Gatmaytan noted. (Alona Cochon)
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