DTI eyes foreign consultants to help local fashion designers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking at helping local fashion designers compete in the international fashion scene by bringing in foreign consultants.

This, as independent British fashion consultant Maureen Tomaney facilitated the recently-concluded Fashion Definition Workshop. Tomaney is a research fellow in ethical issues and fair trade at Central Saint Martins in London, where she is involved in the creative side of the fashion industry as well as the advancement of sustainability in fashion and textiles.

“Fashion is not only about aesthetics, but most certainly also embracing the content. The designer’s role [becomes] more complex, being part of the effort of greening the fashion world,” said Tomaney, discussing an emerging sensibility for environmentally-sustainable fashion pieces before an audience of trailblazing fashion talents.

“Slow fashion will develop from being a diffuse buzzword to signifying quality in production and product; [for example], in working to turn artisan crafts into fashion – and into profit for the locals – and to producing long lasting clothing,” she added.

The workshop was organized in partnership with the British Council of the Philippines and the Garments and Textile Industry Development Office (GTIDO), and was part of a three-month Merchandise Design Consultancy Program (MDCP) geared towards the further improvement of existing fashion exports to meet current global market demands, particularly pieces crafted from indigenous fibers and materials.

Developing a Philippine brand that is globally competitive was key as Tomaney discussed local, regional and international fashion markets; forecasting trends in color, product and fabric; translating local skills into a sustainable market; and export facilitation and international value chain.

The fashion prototypes developed will be featured at the upcoming FASHIONation zone of the CITEM-led 52nd Manila F.A.M.E. International on Oct. 18-21. To be staged at three venues, namely: the World Trade Center, the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila F.A.M.E. is the country’s premier trade event for design-driven pieces.

In 2005, total export earnings from local fiber manufacturers reached $90.51 million, signifying rising demand for indigenous Philippine fibers like abaca (Manila hemp), piña (pineapple), and banana for their various uses and applications.