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SUSTAINABLE FASHION, PROMOTION OF LOCAL TEXTILES AND FABRICS, AN ADVOCACY OF THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SINGAPORE

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His Excellency P. Kumaran, High Commissioner of India (middle, in blue) and Mr. Prasad Bidappa (middle) pose with the fashion show models of Handlooms @75 - Celebrating the Fabric of Freedom

PRESS RELEASE

PR-058-2022

(20 October 2022, Singapore) In support of sustainable fashion and woven textiles, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore joined the High Commission in India in Singapore in its special Fashion show and Exhibition on Indian Handlooms, entitled Handlooms @75 – Celebrating the Fabric of Freedom on 15 October 2022 at the GIIS Smart Campus, Singapore. The event was part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 75-week grand celebration spearheaded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark India’s 75th year of Independence.

 

The textile exhibit featured Khadi, prominently worn by one of the most revered figures in modern history, Mahatma Gandhi.
Miss Universe - Singapore 2021 Nandita Banna at the Handlooms @75 Fashion Show

The textile exhibit featured Khadi, a hand-spun and handwoven cloth, usually from cotton fiber, that was prominently worn by one of the most revered  figures in modern history, Mahatma Gandhi. It became the symbol of the Swadeshi movement that became instrumental in the freedom of the Indian subcontinent.

 

The fashion show on the other hand, was curated by Prasad Bidappa Associates and featured a collection of woven and sustainable fashion.

 

Relatedly, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore actively promotes sustainable fashion and the use and appreciation of indigenous  weaves and fabrics; and invites the Filipino community in Singapore to learn more about the Philippine weaving tradition in order to contribute to efforts towards its preservation, through the following upcoming activities:

 

  1. The 2022 Philippine Handloom Weaving Conference, organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which runs from 19-25 October 2022.  Online seminars under this year’s theme, “Weaving a Creative and Inclusive Textile Economy”, highlight important conversations on Culture, Gender and Psychology, Science and Innovation, Business and Trade, Intellectual Property and Education, and Funding Opportunities in the handloom weaving industry in the country. Further information is available at through the Philippine Handloom Weaving Conference 2022 Programme at  https://bit.ly/PHWC2022Programme

2. The HABI Philippine Textile Council regularly conducts webinars and lectures on relevant and timely topics, such as, the importance of reviving the Philippine textile industry, the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, and the issue of cultural appropriation, as a way of educating both the local and international public. With the resurgence of Philippine textiles, more weavers are encouraged to continue the tradition by using locally-sourced natural fibers. HABI believes that there is a need for cultural sensitivity in promotion of indigenous textiles thus promoting awareness on the dangers of cultural appropriation.

HABI also recently concluded the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair last 14-16 October 2022. In its 12th year, the three-day fair had more than 60 vendors offering handwoven fabrics, ready-to-wear clothes, home accessories, and locally made furniture and pottery. Likhang HABI Market Fair provides weavers with a venue to showcase and sell their handwoven textiles and new product designs and connect them with the international market.

3. The Filipino Ladies Group – Singapore (FLAGS) will hold a Cultural Night and Fashion Show featuring Inabel, a handwoven textile from the Northern Philippines, on 5 November 2022 at the Civil Service Club in Farrer Park. This is also a charity event with Filipino children in Mindanao and a number of Indigenous People as beneficiaries.  END

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