A quarter-century of making fashion 'Happy'

Fashion can be more than a statement of personal style. It can also tell stories of heritage, celebrate craftsmanship and bring different generations together. For Filipino fashion designer Happy Andrada, these ideas have shaped a career spanning 25 years.

Andrada marked the milestone with a special runway presentation on Oct. 17 at the Globe Auditorium of BGC Arts Center, as part of Pinoy Playlist Musikahan 2026. Directed by Raymund Ramirez Seranillo, the show brought together pieces from her archives and a new collection, tracing how her creative vision has evolved while remaining rooted in Filipino culture.

The runway featured 25 archival creations, including designs previously presented in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Seoul. Gathered in one show for the first time, the pieces offered a look back at the defining moments of her career and the experimental approach that has become a hallmark of her work.

But the celebration was not simply about revisiting the past. Andrada also introduced a collection that reimagines traditional Philippine textiles through a contemporary lens, incorporating playful touches inspired by funk and disco. By combining fabrics from different regions within individual looks, the designer explored how clothing can express both cultural identity and a sense of unity.

Her work reflects a continuing interest in bringing Filipino craftsmanship into conversations about modern fashion. Textiles such as binakol, Yakan, T’nalak, pis siyabit, inaul, piña and inabel feature prominently in her designs, complemented by embroidery, beadwork and experimental techniques. Sourced from local weaving communities, these materials give traditional craftsmanship a place in contemporary silhouettes.

For Andrada, fashion also offers opportunities to explore connections with other art forms. Her collaboration with Fundación Sansó translated the artworks of Juvenal Sansó into wearable creations, while her participation in the Youngwol Fashion Art Biennale in South Korea brought her work to an international audience.

Music played an equally important role in the anniversary presentation. Performances by The CompanY and Anima Tierra added a live dimension to the runway, creating a meeting point between fashion and sound at the festival celebrating original Filipino music.

Andrada was the only fashion designer selected for this year's Pinoy Playlist Musikahan, organized by the Bonifacio Art Foundation across three performance spaces at the BGC Arts Center. Curated by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, together with Moy Ortiz, Noel Ferrer and Maria Isabel Garcia, the festival brings Filipino music across genres and generations into the spotlight.

The anniversary show extended that celebration of diversity to the runway, featuring models from different generations, including senior personalities from Philippine business, design and civic life. Their presence highlighted the idea that style has no single definition or age limit, and that individuality remains central to personal expression.

Looking back on her journey, Andrada expressed gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her work while emphasizing that the milestone also signals new possibilities.

“Twenty-five years in fashion has been an incredible journey. I’m grateful for every opportunity, every collaboration and everyone who has supported me along the way. I have always loved experimenting, creating something different and celebrating our beautiful Filipino craftsmanship. This milestone is not just about looking back, but also about embracing everything that lies ahead.”

The event was supported by Skechers: The Comfort Technology Company®, Ascott BGC and Laura Mercier, with accessories by Farah Abu and Zarah Juan. Skechers Philippines served as the official footwear partner.

As Andrada enters her next chapter, her work continues to explore the relationship between tradition and reinvention. Her 25th anniversary showcase offered a reminder that Filipino fashion can draw from the country's rich cultural heritage while evolving with the changing tastes, ideas and identities of the people who wear it.