The Perceptions of Contemporary Filipino Fashion Designers on Promoting the Filipino Cultural Identity through Modern Textile Design

Abstract

Culture plays a role in a fashion designer’s work. This may serve as a designer’s inspiration from which the design may emerge, giving the design a story that has depth and, in some cases, relevance to society. In this study, the researchers aimed to gather the perceptions of five contemporary Filipino fashion designers, in regards to promoting the Filipino cultural identity through modern textile design. Each of the designers were interviewed and asked questions  based on five subtopics: Clothing design that promotes the Filipino culture, experience and future plans of designers in promoting the Filipino culture through their designs, importance of designers promoting Philippine culture through their designs, opportunities that can present themselves if more Filipino designers promote the Filipino culture, and lastly suggestions on how designers can promote the Filipino cultural identity and motivate consumers to buy. Results show that the interviewed designers expressed their desire to promote the Filipino cultural identity through their designs; however, doing so is not an easy task as they also have to consider the consumers’ demand when designing clothes. Lastly, the designers shared that they can show the Filipino cultural identity in their designs by making use of modern techniques and interpretations.