WHO says that designers are just into fashionable and fancy clothing?
In these trying times, several groups of designers in the country have given their share in the fight against the deadly Covid-19. One of them is the Fashion Designer Alliance (Fadal) Mindanao. The team has been using their talents to produce personal protective equipment suits.
Fadal Mindanao Director Xioti Chiu said that as soon as they learned that the medical frontliners need more PPEs, they immediately started working on their share.
Armed with their expertise in pattern-making and garment production, the group never had second thoughts about extending a hand.
“If we can create a dress to rock, then we can create a dress to protect,” Chiu said, adding that they have also been grateful to the Philippine Fashion Academy’s graduating students. The latter, who are called “sewcialists,” have been their partners in making PPEs for the frontliners.
“Our vision and mission is to share our skills to the community,” said the Davao City-based fashion designer who likewise emphasized on the importance of embracing kindness, especially during these trying times.
Fadal Mindanao has already produced at least 70 PPE and they plan to continue making more as long as they still have the much-needed raw materials.
So far, their production has already reached the Holy Spirit Mintal Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), and Dr. Arthuro P. Pinggoy Medical Center- Tacurong City.
As the director of Philippine Fashion Academy and Fadal Mindanao, Chiu is glad to have gotten the support of the Junior Chamber International Davao headed by Reymond Peter Esperat, and the PhFanian designers Fatima Naveena Abdurajak, Marck Losaria, Gladys Ayuste, Merlyn Ramos and Daryl Tejano. Dr. Janeth Pacifico has been a great help, too, as she provided the fabrics used in producing the PPE suits.
“To our dear front liners, we know how hard it is to be in the position that it feels like we have to win a battle every single day, to be in the position that your health is also at risk. But beyond everything, you all became our world’s hero. Your amazing work of dedication, love, and care have made our country to remain strong,” said Chiu, who is a nurse as well.
“To my fellow designers, kudos to the great help you have extended to our frontliners, to the people who matter in our lives. Thank you for extending your expertise in producing PPE. This initiative have made us heroes,” he continued.
To the young designers and those who want to be part of the industry, Chiu expressed that fashion “will always be a work of art and love with gratitude. We are ready for you and see you in this lifelong exciting journey.”
Kudos to you, Xioti, and the rest of your team! Keep inspiring!
***
If you have special events and fashion tips to share, or just want to discuss about any fashion-related concerns with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.