By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Day 2 of the 9th Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week felt like stepping into someone’s beautiful memory of home, and that’s exactly what designer Jaki Peñalosa gave us.
Under the theme “Home: A Celebration of Love and Life’s Winning Moments,” her showcase was less about trends and more about tradition, storytelling, and soul.
Representing Iloilo, Jaki brought with her the beauty of hablon, a handwoven fabric deeply rooted in Visayan culture. But this wasn’t your usual take on heritage wear. It was “Maria Clara meets Jaki,” with strong silhouettes, dramatic sleeves, and modern lines that still felt unmistakably Filipino. It was fashion meets culture, in the best, most natural way.
The show opened with a fiery reddish maroon look, fierce and unexpected. For a moment, we thought the whole collection would stay in that bold, moody palette. But Jaki surprised us. What followed was a parade of soft creams, warm beiges, and delicate whites, stitched into dreamy pieces that looked like they could live in a museum. Some even looked like they were inspired by traditional Filipino windows, those intricate capiz details and classic wood patterns, somehow turned into fabric. And it worked.
Then came the finale: a wedding gown so beautiful it felt sacred. Think modern-day birhen energy, fashionable, angelic, and full of quiet power. It was the kind of piece that makes everyone in the room hold their breath.
Jaki Peñalosa’s runway moment was more than just a collection, it was a celebration of identity, roots, and what it means to come home with pride. She didn’t just honor culture, she wore it, wove it, and gave it back to us in style.
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