Simplicity that is Sidney

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

Iloilo has a dynamic economy that is thriving with creative spirits and there is a growing pool of talent waiting to be discovered. Along with its active fashion industry are a rising number of designers slowly changing public perceptions on local fashion.

While many local designers have not yet achieved mainstream success in comparison to more established Ilonggo figures such as Eric delos Santos, PJ Aranador, Nono Palmos, Jaki Penalosa, Angelette Ragus, Don Protasio and Bo Parcon, it is worth keeping them on your radar because many of them have already presented their collections in shows here and elsewhere in the country.

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

There is no better way to celebrate Ilonggo fashion than to discover one of these home-grown fashion designers, SIDNEY ECULLA is a name that you should start familiarizing yourself with.

the designer...Sidney Eculla

A face that is fast-gaining prominence in the local fashion industry, self-trained designer Sidney already had his hablon and silk cocoon collections presented in a show at the Philippine Center in 5th Avenue, New York in 2009 and had been joining local shows and was featured during the previous Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair.

photo by Paulo Pedrajas

According to him, growing up, fashion and the arts were something that was considered a relevant career choice, and he hope that his work will inspire aspiring designers to be a bit more open-minded and creative.

Having collaborated with Manila designer Edgar Allan, the designer sees his success as a trigger for local designers, and he has not forgotten his own birthplace. The designer is the primary promoter of polyabaca handwoven in Igbaras. His hablon and polyabaca collections were hand-woven by IKWA (Igbaras Knotters and Weavers Association) in Barangay Sta. Barbara in Igbaras.

Though handloom weaving had been long practiced in the town, the production of abaca was only introduced sometime in 2009 when the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) assisted Barangay Sta. Barbara on weaving abaca. Presently, IKWA is producing pure abaca fiber and polyabaca (abaca fiber blended with cotton or polyester) said to be three times stronger than cotton and silk fibers.

photo by Paelo Pedrajas

The simplicity of his character spills over into collections where he brings his passions and his own roots to his designs. Eculla is well-known for his predominantly white colour palette, minimalism and distinctively feminine flair.

To know more about designs, catch the closing fashion show for the 8^th Indigneous Fiber Fashion Fair featuring Sidney Eculla for Preciosa at 5 p.m., Event Center of SM City Iloilo .For inquiries please contact the designer at 09176233262 or visit his atelier in Iloilo at #568 Quezon Street or email at sidneyeculla@gmail.com.

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.