Bb. Pilipinas candidates showcase sustainable fashion pieces.Image: INQUIRER.net/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines—As the world marks ‘Earth Hour’ tonight, the country’s most enduring national pageant promoted sustainability in fashion, with this year’s candidates parading in eco-friendly pieces made by local designers.
The 2023 Bb. Pilipinas pageant mounted the “Women Reinvent” sustainable fashion show at the activity area of Farmers Plaza at the Araneta City in Quezon City on Friday, March 24, showcasing the creations of eight Filipino labels—Pnay, Russ Cuevas, Adam Balasa, James O-Briant, Peñaflorida Atelier, Christine Lam, Kutur ni Jean and Justine Aliman.
Also featured were accessories by Tina Campos Jewelry and Christopher Munar, bags by Ma. Delza’s Native Products, and shoes by Aishe as the pageant’s way of supporting local brands that champion sustainability. And with these enterprises providing employment to many female artisans, Women Reinvent also served as another vehicle for Bb. Pilipinas to celebrate “Women’s Month” this March.
The candidates, all styled by Patrick Henry and his team, also shared the runway with 2021 Bb. Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold, who closed the show in a modern “Maria Clara” ensemble by Aliman, who created a long, shimmery white column dress with matching shawl that also doubled as a chapel train. A “panuelo” draped over the beauty queen’s shoulders, fashioned from an indigenous textile and embellished with beads, completed the look with a pop of color.
The fashion show reminded spectators of the global Earth Hour event that aims to spread awareness on climate change and its devastating effects. Araneta City is taking part in the initiative, where non-essential lighting is turned off for one hour to inspire the people to conserve electricity, and join the movement to help save the planet.
To further promote sustainability in the pioneering commercial and entertainment district, the POP QC Eco Market is open at the Ali Mall, where bicycle phone charging stations are also installed. Farmers Plaza also has a “Trade-A-Bag” promotion.
The Bb. Pilipinas pageant has not disclosed when the final competition will be and what titles will be awarded. But the coronation night will be staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the Araneta City sometime in May.
Bb. Pilipinas International Nicole Borromeo, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas Globe Chelsea Fernandez and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International Roberta Tamondong will mark the end of their respective reigns as national titleholders at the pageant’s final ceremonies./ra