By Leizlee Tomista
The first-ever sustainable fashion show competition hosted by Quezon City showcased 20 fashion creations made from upcycled denim materials and other recyclable fabrics.
Dubbed as “Retashow,” the runway presentation served as the finale show after weeks of culminating activities, which included mentorship by Allesandra Gutierrez and Dars Juson of REPAMANA, a social enterprise that repurposes hotel bedsheets. The 20 finalists were also guided about sustainable fashion by Cris Roxas of Brave Story, a lifestyle brand that repurposes textile waste into clothing and home decor, crafted by artisans.
Twenty designers were picked from a pool of fifty, who submitted their applications after an open call announced by the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD).
Renegade Limpin emerged as the winner of the first edition of “Retashow: QC’s Catwalk to Sustainability” with his all-denim halter and top combo, accessorized with a denim bag that discourages the use of fast fashion. He received a cash prize of P100,000.
He bested 19 other designers, who had designed fashionable clothes from recycled garments and leftover fabrics.
“Maraming salamat sa paglalaan ng inyong oras at pagpapahalaga sa layunin ng ating RetaShow. As trailblazers of sustainable fashion, we hope that the City Government can always count on you to use your platforms for sustainability,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Maricris Pabelico placed second, and John Jade Montecalvo won third. They received cash prizes of P70,000 and P30,000 respectively.
The designers showcased ensembles that were made from at least 70 percent recycled textiles and fabrics. Their work was evaluated based on design and originality, ethics and sustainability, and wearability and feasibility.
The other designers who competed were Neil Bryan Capistrano, Rowena Coquia, Giemhela Divina, Jashmin Iballo, Khazlyn Rose Lim, Stephanie Madolid, Michael Mayores, Mark Jay Panganiban, Kaye-Lyn Partulan, Nard Patrick Redoble, Hazel Roldan, Loisse Zsanelle Roque, Juan Miguel Rosario, Lloyd Rainier Sexon, Johnsent Talento, Janah Victoria Tropel, and Kristine Joy Victor.
“Lahat ng mga sumali ay winning entries na dahil ginamit nila ang kanilang talento upang lumikha ng mga disenyo mula sa retaso o used textile upang magkaroon ng pangalawang buhay ang mga ito at maiwasang matapon sa landfill. Kaya sa akin, panalo kayo sapagkat panalo ang ating kalikasan!” the mayor added.