“Our young designers, our young creatives are scientists just as much as they are artists”.
This was the message of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) Director Dr. Julius L. Leaño, Jr. during the Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Fashion Show," the culmination of the fashion design and garment-making competition held on September 21, 2024 during the closing of the 2024 National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Forum Tent in Pasay City.
He believes that young designers and artists in the fashion industry can be considered scientists by nature and this competition will provide a platform for young designers to showcase innovation and development in Philippine textiles.
“Stitch-Off is a techno-innovation fashion design and garment-making competition with science, technology, and innovation at its core. It features the use of Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) and KAWAYARN developed by the Institute. It advocates for the central and defining role of innovation in one of our most basic needs—clothing,” said Dr. Leaño.
Dr. Leaño further explained that for designers, clothing requires the integration of mathematics, material science, precision, and measurement, demanding not only their technical skills but also their creativity, values, and dreams.
He concluded his speech by announcing the involvement of DOST and PTRI with the fashion industry and private sectors beyond the competition and fashion show, as part of a shared advocacy for the fusion of textiles, culture, science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
“You know, our country is so rich with natural materials, and if we all work together as one, I believe the Philippines could become a sustainable textile hub for the world,” said Chuck Lazaro, VP for Export at Asia Textile Mills Inc. and CEO of Ananas Anam Philippines Inc., in support of the creative initiative.
Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Competition Winners
A finalist from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP) was named champion of the Stitch-Off Urban Vibe competition, organized by DOST-PTRI, with their collection titled “Kayo-d,” which used upcycled teacher uniforms to promote sustainability and celebrate the dignity of labor.
Kayo-d designers from the Filipino Institute of the Philippines
Designers of “Kayo-d,” Chris Dale, JM San Juan, and Melvic Martinez, found inspiration in the diligence of the workforce along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). They aimed to honor construction workers, jeepney drivers, traffic enforcers, street vendors, and street sweepers.
“Sa kabuuan, ang Kayo-d ay higit pa sa kasuotan, ito ay isang pagdiriwang ng pagsusumikap at dedikasyon. Ito ay nagbibigay-pansin sa madalas na hindi nakikitang kontribusyon ng mga manggagawa,” shared the FIP designers.
[“In essence, Kayo-d is more than clothing; it is a celebration of hard work and dedication. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of the workforce,” shared the FIP designers.]
Kayo-d collection using upcycled teacher uniforms in honor of EDSA workforce
Meanwhile, coming in second was the “Telakpak” collection by SOFA Design Institute designers Royce Bautista, Ralph Catalan, Venice Collera, and Emir Loresto, which drew inspiration from the vibrant and bustling Ylaya Street in Divisoria.
According to the designers, their collection embodies the environment of Divisoria, expressed through vibrant fabrics that capture the dynamics of its cultural and historical landscape.
Telakpak collection taking inspiration from the vibrant streets of Divisoria
Finally, in third place and claiming the “Youth Fave Award” were designers Addy Bargo and Leira Mondragon from Iloilo Science and Technology University. Their collection, called “Duyan,” aims to offer a comforting retreat, connecting individuals to nature, family, and cultural roots amidst the fast-paced city life.
Designers of Duyan with DOST-PTRI Director Leaño and DOST Secretary Solidum
Aside from the other materials used by the young designers in the competition, the main focus was on PTF, which contain natural textile fibers like pineapple and bamboo, developed by DOST-PTRI. This was part of the goal to expose students to sustainable materials for their collections
The winners of Stitch-Off Urban Vibe Fashion Show competition (Photos from Henry De Leon, DOST-STII)
Sec. Solidum’s Message of Gratitude at the Conclusion of This Year’s Science Festival
As the fashion show concludes, it also marks the end of the science festival. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr left a hopeful message for the next generation of designers.
“The impact of joining this competition extends far beyond the event itself. It opens doors, builds connections, and propels emerging talents into the broader fashion industry, where they continue to make their mark and elevate their craft,” Sec. Solidum affirmed.
He also reiterated that the activities during the National Youth Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival reflect DOST’s commitment to nurturing future generations of scientists, engineers, technicians, and creatives.
In his words, the aim of the science festival was achieved and manifested through the Stitch-Off Fashion Show, which filled him with a profound sense of pride and gratitude.
“This event not only showcases the incredible creativity and talent of our young minds, but also highlights the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in shaping the future of the Philippine textile industry,” Sec. Solidum concluded.
With the theme ‘STEM-VIBE: Engaging the Youth in Providing Solutions and Opening Opportunities,’ the 2024 \NYSTIF recognized the youth’s potential in contributing to knowledge through science and technology.
For more creative activities and projects showcased during the 2024 NYSTIF, follow and visit the official page of the 2024 NYSTIF (https://www.facebook.com/watch/nystif.dost/). (By Kesha Shua Leosala, DOST-STII)
