Davao del Norte’s banana fiber lands in New York
THE banana fiber of Davao del Norte has already come a long way as it finally landed in one of the “Big Four” in the fashion world.
Musa Fabric, the Tagum City-based enterprise that creates remarkable fashion pieces from banana fiber, is owning the stage of New York Fashion Week few days from now.
While banana is a rich raw material in the province, Joy Soo saw an opportunity beyond its agri-business potential. As a fashion designer, she thought of maximizing it through what her profession can offer.
The Musa Fashion was born at a time when a lot of businesses were folding down because of the pandemic. However, Soo took the risk as she envisioned to help more people with this venture.
Two years later, the local brand is finally going international – and it is not just an ordinary destination. In fact, so many designers have been dreaming of landing here.
The designer-entrepreneur shared that whatever Musa Fashion is reaping now is a product of hard work, dedication, and passion, not just to succeed but also to give back to the people who are part of their journey. Thus, bringing their products, particularly the Filipiniana designs and fashion pieces, to the international stage is a chance to further this goal.
“This is my first time to join this event. The organizer sent me a message after seeing the Musa advocacy documentary video. They were amazed that our designs are made from banana fiber and the people deprived of liberty were even the ones who made it. They felt that it’s a beautiful story worth to feature,” Soo said, adding that Musa Fashion fits to a tee for the sustainable fashion runway of NYFW.
New York, which is also popular for the tag “Big Apple,” is home to several fashion icons. Hence, with Musa Fashion getting there is already a reward in itself.
Soo is surely someone who always thinks out of the box while maximizing every opportunity that comes her way.
As part of her NYFW promotion, at least 50 models and advocates from the province and Davao City will grace the billboard in NY Times Square wearing the banana fiber fashion ensembles with utmost pride.
Winning a crown to crown Musa
In the meantime, as the newly crowned Mrs. Philippines Grand International Classic, Soo said that she will be able to promote the Musa advocacy to the world with “so much more power and authority because it’s really different if you have a crown; more people will listen.”
She is likewise optimistic that the brand will make a mark more this time since her fellow pageant winners have committed to do their share in advocating for its use in fashion.
Soo revealed that the NYFW is just the start of Musa Fashion’s international exposure, and globetrotting can be her next update for all who believe in her. Amid her success, she never forgets to thank her army of supporters.
“This is a united effort. Aside from the province, various government agencies have been helping Musa as well. For example, the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Trade and Industry have helped me so much,” she said.
“This has become a collaborative effort, too, of the artisans and designers in Davao del Norte.”
Meanwhile, she has a golden message to the other designers and entrepreneurs.
“Find your life’s purpose and everything will just follow. When you know your purpose in life, you will also find your direction. Also, when doing business, think about your employees first rather than profit... Even if you are an aspiring entrepreneur yet, that should also be your principle as soon as you start your business,” the entrepreneur-turned-beauty queen concluded.
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