Renowned Filipina designer Lulu Tan-Gan is set to showcase her sustainable “Farm-to-Fashion” philosophy, spotlighting the versatility and beauty of piña fabric, at the highly anticipated Red Charity Gala on Oct. 22 at Shangri-La The Fort.
Tan-Gan’s latest collection, titled Crafting Fashion, reimagines piña as a luxury material, reaffirming its prestige in the fashion industry. Known for her innovative approach, Tan-Gan explains the significance of the handwoven fabric.
“Piña is a luxury material because of all the handwork that goes into it,” she says. The fabric’s cultural importance was further recognized when it was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity list.
Through her “Farm-to-Fashion” initiative, Tan-Gan advocates for sustainability by using plant-based materials handcrafted by indigenous weavers from the Visayas. This collection emphasizes natural dyes, such as indigo, turmeric, and sapang, to give the fabric a rich variety of colors. Her pieces, which include boleros, caftans, jackets, and dresses, are designed to be stylish, comfortable, and versatile.
Tan-Gan’s creative process reflects her personal connection with piña fabric.
“I mostly engage with piña throughout the cutting process, where I love the crisp sound it makes while cutting,” she shares. “I’m also mindful of ensuring that no inch of the weave is wasted.”
This attention to detail results in garments that balance artistry with sustainability.
The collection bridges Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao by incorporating cultural motifs such as the Kalinga pattern from the Ifugaos and the Mandaya print from Mindanao, combined with the signature piña weaves of the Visayas. These elements celebrate the diverse heritage of the Philippines, expressed through Tan-Gan’s distinctive style.
Piña weaving is a labor-intensive process involving the extraction of fibers from pineapple leaves. The fibers are meticulously knotted to create a continuous filament, which is then handwoven into fabric. This intricate tradition passed down through generations, is what earned piña its recognition as an intangible cultural heritage.
Tan-Gan expressed her pride in promoting the potential of piña fabric.
“It’s inspiring to see designers and brands recognizing this fabric’s possibilities and getting involved with our identity and heritage,” she said. She also acknowledged the Red Charity Gala’s role in providing a platform for Filipino fashion and supporting local resources and craftsmanship.
The Red Charity Gala, an annual event showcasing top Filipino designers, has been a key platform for highlighting Filipino fashion for over a decade. Past featured designers include Dennis Lustico, Furne One, Michael Cinco, Cary Santiago, and Rajo Laurel.
This year’s event is presented by Bench and co-presented by Mentorque Productions, with support from brands like Emirates Airlines, Jewelmer, and Shangri-La at The Fort. Proceeds from the gala will support various charities, including the Philippine Red Cross and the Hope for Lupus Foundation, which raises awareness and provides aid to those affected by the autoimmune disease.
As Tan-Gan prepares to take the stage at the Red Charity Gala, her collection promises to honor both tradition and innovation, showcasing the beauty of piña fabric while championing sustainable fashion in the Philippines.
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