Monday, August 15, 2011

Sidney Eculla: Weaving in Harmony the Threads of the Earth

Ilonggo designer Sydney Eculla with muse Dimple dela Cruz in hablon
 photo by Ryan Rey Genciana
Sidney Eculla, 25, sometimes known simply as 'Sid', is an Ilonggo fashion designer. Born in Igbaras, Iloilo, Eculla is self-trained. His passion for designing clothes started as a teenager when he was exposed as a production designer in school-based theater. He knew that one day he would make a living out of it. In 2007, Eculla worked as an assistant for Manila-based designer Edgar Allan.

In the last quarter of 2009 before moving back to Iloilo, Eculla was invited in a showcase of Philippine fabrics where he showed his collection of hablon of Miag-ao, Iloilo and silk cocoon of Aklan outside Philippines at the Philippine Center in 5th Avenue, New York.

For his first fashion show here in Iloilo, the designer has chosen abaca and hablon, both woven in his hometown, Igbaras. These fabrics seemed the appropriate ones to be used for his collections. Light and warm with a rough fluffy finish to it. In the raw it was very matt but beautifully finished with a delicate sheen. It not flashy or as smooth as silk, but it is more a thread of the earth.

hablon ensemble by Sidney Eculla, photo by Ryan Rey Genciana
Hand-woven fabrics of hablon and abaca enable him to assemble a range of colors that reflects the essence of the earth. Colors and texture are still his passions that keep him using our hand-loomed fabrics. The fabrics create a spectacular and enduring look with each piece designed to take advantage of the inherent characteristics of the fibers and yarns used. They are unique in texture, appearance and hand.

Eculla continues to develop his unique collection of hand-woven fabrics. Over the years, the response to this fabric has been overwhelming. The designer continually experiments and sample to find new weaves and textures. His collection brings a contemporary look to ancient textile traditions and bridges the gap between couture and wearable art.

His work demonstrates the best understanding or interpretation of the elements of art and design, a mastery of materials and techniques, imagination, inventiveness and individuality, and aesthetic consistency. His goal is to create a look and feel that suits the intended use - fabrics that are both luxurious and functional.

phtoto by Ryan Rey Genciana
Eculla travels to Manila every now and then for his clients and continues to stay on the cutting edge of fashion design. His studio is located at Soriano Complex, West Avenue, Molo, Iloilo City. You can also get in touch with him through his cellular phone number at 09276076031.

See more of his collections in the 4th Fiber Fashion Fair with Anyag on August 27 at 7 p.m., SM City Activity Center. This annual industry event is jointly organized by SM City Iloilo in cooperation with GMA-6 Iloilo, The News Today, Graphic etc. Printhaus, Iloilo Grand Hotel, New Asia Holidays Corporation, Golden Krafty Enterprises, IVQ Landholdings Inc., Beauty Dynamics Facial Care Center, Villa Darroca, Escas, Deocampos Barquillos, Biscocho Haus, Glecas Catering and Food Services and KRS Catering.


No comments:

Post a Comment

An Unforgettable Farm Experience at Pallon Farm in San Enrique

San Enrique, Iloilo is a truly tranquil and peaceful town guaranteed to help you relax, slow down, and connect with nature. Visit sm...