Scarf for life

A lightbulb moment is when you think of a great idea slash concept, or simply creative brilliance, or both. So what’s new with fashion designer Avel Bacudio? Always moving forward, we got his pulse and figured out what was in his beautiful mind — he was up to something good! Got the chance to chat with him and found out his latest creation — scarves — and asked him a few questions about it.

New Now Next (NNN): What made you decide to make scarves? What materials did you use to make these beautiful pieces?

Avel Bacudio (AB): Because of fabric. When I took a short course in clothing technology at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, I realized — why not use our local fabrics but with a twist? This means using our local fabrication with new technology. Since I am very passionate about our local fabrics, (I thought) why not. I also wanted to share with our weavers in the Philippines what’s new or can be applied that does not affect the traditional patterns.

NNN: What’s the theme of the prints? Why did you choose this theme?

AB: I really love Pinoy tradition specially ang ating (our) national flower, carabao, Philippine eagle, etc.. and some of our new generation don’t know them. I just want to help educate through fashion the younger generation — kung anong meron sa national, also mga lugar na talagang maipagmamalaki natin (what we have in the country and places that we can really be proud of). Places where the (photos of) prints I took by myself.

NNN: How many prints did you use for the scarves? What are they?

AB: I have 10 designs and all of these are our Philippines. They come in two sizes: 32x32 for female and for men 22 x 22.

•National bird — Philippine Eagle, also the critically endangered Monkey Eating Eagle

•National flower sampaguita

•Ylang Ylang flower

•Kalachuchi flower

•Endangered Philippine Tamaraw or dwarf buffalo

•The iconic and famous jeepney

•Kalesa — Two-wheeled horse carriage that historically were early forms of transportation in the Philippines

•Ice cream or “sorbetes” cart

•Philippine map

•Rice Terraces — Occasionally called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”

NNN: What’s the color palette?

AB: The palette colors are cream, black and shades of brown.

NNN: How long does it take to produce a scarf? What’s the process?

AB: The idea is on the spot but to get the fabric really takes time and need ls to be studied. I really want to proudly represent the culture of the Filipino.

NNN: Do you think the scarf is the modern panuelo?

AB: If the Egyptians were the first to introduce the scarves worn by the queen, why not aspire to have our very own panuelo become a trend using soft material that is our own fabric?

NNN: You’re trying to say that all the fabric you’re using is local? From where?

AB: I’m using silk cocoon Mindanao, piña and pure silk — all from the Philippines.

NNN: When and where are the scarves available? How do people get a hold of them?

AB: I’m going to launch early next year. Online it is available at Bahay Ugnayan Museum, and soon Intramuros Museum and Baguio Mansion Museum.

Visionary and patriotic designer Avel Bacudio is truly in a league of his own. With the assistance of both the Department of Science and Technology and Philippines Textile Research Institute through innovation, he has fashioned and carved his own path in creating his own mark and identity here and abroad. Most important, he chosen a path of service to weavers, a community and a nation.