By Dara Clariza Evangelista
At the 9th Annual Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week, designer Kenny Ladaga lit up the runway with a collection that glowed, literally.
Known for his fusion of modern elegance with cultural depth, Ladaga unveiled a series of looks that were floral but diamond, pastel but powerful, feminine but commanding.
Each piece was a masterclass in softness reimagined with impact.
Glittering embellishments cascaded over delicate fabrics in hues of champagne, lavender, white, and cornflower blue. The silhouettes ranged from sculpted corset gowns to sleek midi dresses fringed with crystal shine, all cut to flatter but never overpower. Whether it was the glint of glass beads or the structured sweetness of a sweetheart neckline, the looks felt like celebrations, of beauty, of style, of self
The collection’s brilliance extended to menswear. One particularly unforgettable piece was a full crystal barong Tagalog, a daring yet respectful nod to Filipino heritage. It sparkled under the lights but kept the spirit of tradition intact, Filipino at its core, yet designed for the world stage.
Soft lavender suits and embroidered formal shirts completed the menswear line, offering a cohesive and quietly confident complement to the gowns.
Kenny Ladaga’s journey from cutting fashion clippings in his childhood to dressing runways in New York, Canada, and now Calgary is stitched into every detail.
His work carries the soul of Mindanao, often weaving in traditional materials and techniques but giving them a modern, couture-forward twist. This collection, though unnamed, spoke volumes in shimmer and shape.
More than just garments, these were stories of home, pride, and the art of dressing with emotion. And on that runway, Kenny Ladaga didn’t just show fashion. He showed who we are when we shine.
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