TRADITIONAL and contemporary designers and creative entrepreneurs from Davao Region will showcase their local-global designs in the upcoming Fashion Weekend Davao (FWD) 2019 on May 24 to 26 at the Ayala Abreeza Malls.

FWD is positioned to be the region’s premier fashion and design platform. It is a collaborative partnership between the Ayala Abreeza Malls and Davao Fashion and Design Council (DFDC), which was first launched in 2016.

“This year, FWD moves to May to celebrate National Heritage Month in cultural convergence among the region’s traditional and contemporary designers, makers, artisans and creative entrepreneurs,” DFDC president Dodjie Batu said during Habi at Kape media forum yesterday, May 15, 2019.

“We think that it is more relevant to have it in May. As a catalyst for innovation and creative enterprise, FWD continues to recognize the value of diversity in crafting Mindanao’s distinct local-global design identity,” he added.

During the event, Stellar: Mindanao Heritage Fashion Designers Competition will also be highlighted. It will be a competition for young designers to showcase their visionary collections side by side commercial global brands of Ayala Malls.

“This has so far not only produced rising fashion stars but very significantly empowered indigenous communities and their artisans and new generation of makers rediscovering the potentials of mainstreaming their material culture and traditions,” Batu said.

Davao City is in an “exciting” position because of the global shift in fashion industry. DFDC member Emi Englis said the shift going through different hotspots that have never been known before and with the FWD, local designers will now have a platform where they can showcase their creative designs.

“Dati kasi, when you talk of indigenous design, iba yung perception. But what I really observed these past few years, especially in the city, they now have a bigger understanding and appreciation of the culture that they have,” he said.