Year after year, Davao’s Moda Mindanaw surprises its avid followers among the fashion industry and the culture and heritage aficionados. The Moda Mindanaw has indeed gone far—from promoting Davao’s indigenous materials to showcasing Mindanaoan textile and fiber. Moda has now evolved to be a platform for young and vibrant Mindanaoan designers to showcase their craft. “We want to showcase what is hip and new but still preserve that Mindanaoan identity in the process,” SM Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez says. “We are glad that we are one with the city in this endeavour. Plus, we have confirmed entries from Zamboanga, South Cotabato, Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal. That is what makes Moda Mindanaw unique—it’s wide reach.” This year, apart from the ladies’ street and evening wear, and men’s wear categories, the floral bouquet design competition will also showcase the skills and talents of Davao florists. “It is always refreshing to see new concepts and ideas from the young,” organizer Oca Casaysay adds. “I am no fashionista but working with talents like what we have (in Davao and Mindanao) is pretty exciting.” Interested parties may call 297.6998 for inquiries. Sketch proposals will be accepted until August 8, Monday. Top designs will be featured in the Moda Mindanaw Fashion Show set on August 21, 6 PM at SM Davao Event Centre where the final judging will take place.
