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| Fashion Designer John Montinola |
Historically
handloom has got its predominance and heritages in the southern district of
Iloilo. The tradition of weaving cloth by hand constitutes one of the richest
aspects of Ilonggo culture and heritage. The level of artistry achieved in
handloom fabrics is unique. The handloom can meet every need from exquisite
fabrics of daily use.
John
Montinola is one of the most successful local designers. His work includes
accessories and garments for fashion and furnishings. His work reflects a
contemporary perspective on the natural environment. He wants to help weavers
and many of his collections include the use of handlooms like hablon and
polyabaca.
Both
fabrics had been his favourite that he is currently working on a collection for
his second exposure as a featured designer for Habol Ilonggo for the 8th
Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair on August 27, 5 p.m. at the Event Center of SM
City Iloilo. He will be using the textiles in a very contemporary and modern
manner. It is juxtaposing the beauty of the craft and the possibility of a
fresh approach.
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| photo by JS Ravena |
In
2004 Montinola launched his first hablon and patadyong pieces in Tumandok
Fashion Show to much enthusiasm and acclaim. The all-female collection
reflected his uncompromising dedication to creating innovative designs using
the paintings of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo as his inspiration.
His
other collections focused on the importance of the craftsmanship of beautiful
and simple contemporary designs where he experimented with other textiles as
well as creating intricate, precious hand-made accessories to match the
clothes.
The
designer hoped to be an ambassador for this art and textile. And what influenced this designer are the
weavers of traditional Ilonggo fabrics and the art they had been practising for
centuries.
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| photo by Patrick Nacionales |
Montinola
believes that there has been a return to the importance of handloom fabrics and
its production due to its global appeal. The art of loom weaving represents a
tradition that is passed down from mother to daughter, aunt to niece. The
complexity of the weave, the color, and the type of thread used, determined the
value of the fabric. With its local origin and exotic feel, the use of our
handloom textiles links us to our past where our local fabrics were considered
luxury goods signifying wealth and social status.
Nowadays,
Ilonggos have learned to embrace these fabrics, using and assimilating them
into societies as a part of culture and self-expression and still carrying an
enormous amount of prestige.
Aside
from being a fashion designer, Montinola is also one of the most sought-after
freelance hair and make-up artists in the industry where alongside his
creations he has the satisfaction of making his vision for fashion a reality.
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| photo by Paul Chiongson |
The
annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair will turn 8 this year and celebrated on
August 24-28 at the Event Center of SM City Iloilo. Beginning August 24
(Monday) the event will showcase Miagao LGU on the ramp at 4 p.m. and ANYAG
with featured designer Ram Silva at 5p.m.; August 25 (Tuesday) will showcase
HABOL ANINIPAY with designer Jose Marcial Luigi Escullar at 5 p.m.; August 26
(Wednesday) opens with HABLON MODA with designer Francis Ian Chua at 5 p.m.;
August 27 (Thursday) will feature the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association as
they take centerstage at 4 p.m. with highlight at 5p.m featuring designer John
Montinola for HABOL ILONGGO at 5 p.m.; August 28 (Friday) will showcase the
designs of the students for the Textile and Apparel Technology Department of
the Iloilo Science and Technology University at 4 p.m. and ends with a bang with
PRECIOSA for featured designer Sidney Eculla at 5 p.m.
The
8th Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is brought to you by the Office of Culture,
Arts, History and Tourism of the Iloilo Provincial Government and SM City
Iloilo. It is also brought to you by Iloilo Science and Technology University,
Department of Trade and Industry, Iloilo Models Guild (IMG), John Montinola and
The Daily Guardian.
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