Malaysian designers make waves at Dexign Global Philippines

The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said today that the Malaysian delegation at the DeXign Philippines mounted a fashion show on October 19 at the SMX Convention Center.

Entitled “Magnificent Malaysia-A Haute Couture Show”, they showcased ready to wear outfits, contemporary Malay wear for men and women, shoes and other accessories.

Through the assistance of the Center for International Trade Exposition Missions (CITEM) of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry, Filipino fashion show director Gerry Katigbak and 19 Filipina professional models were made available to the group, and Ms. Ester Garcia and her team from the Asia Pacific Hair and Makeup Cosmetologist and Makeup Competition (APHCA) awardees provided hair and make-up services for the models.

The DeXign Global was held on October 17 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Filipina Gina Frias-Himpe, owner of accessories shop Axxezz, was part of the Malaysian delegation led by noted Malaysian fashion designers Bill Keith of House of Bill Keith, Hazree Wahid of Hazree Wahid Sdh Bhd and 10 other Malaysian designers during the design fair.

They were the biggest foreign group during the fair.

“Ms. Frias-Himpe’s participation in the event is a sign that Filipino designers are extremely talented and world-class. Her accessories are well-received here in Malaysia, and we hope that her fellow Filipinos are proud of her for making it this far,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said.

As part of the event, the delegation met with possible international and Philippine buyers and was able to get prospective buyers for their designs. They also went around Manila-based malls and other areas for sightseeing.

Before leaving for Manila, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Malaya on October 14. Joining them at the design fair were Trade Counsellor Glenn Peñaranda and Trade Assistant Louie Brigida Quero-Lee.

DeXign Global Philippines was a side event of the long-running Manila FAME, considered as the Philippines’ major design and craftsmanship fair. It brought international exhibitors of home and fashion, highlighting the ASEAN countries and their individual brand of design and artisanship under one roof.

It combined business and design; and serves as a venue for creative exchange and trade promotion. It creates a new marketplace of home and fashion products; expands the range of product offerings; and provides a fresh sourcing venue for trade buyers from the Philippines and from all over the world who regularly come to Manila FAME to look for quality, innovative, design-driven products.

Photos and article courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs’ press release, 30 October 2013.