Pink Revolution: 11 Filipino Fashion Designers Create a Show for the Philippines' Future

Fashion has always been a tool in amplifying social issues and creating statements.

From the historical 1968 Burn The Bra protest, the rise of #MeToo movement, and to the Believe in Better Collection, a collaboration between 19 renowned designers with the goal to support presidential candidate, Joe Biden ― fashion and politics have always been a two-way street.

Last May 4, 2022, amidst the heated Philippines' presidential election, 11 Filipino designers collaborated to support presidential candidate, Leni Robredo, and her Vice President, Kiko Pangilinan. With a mission to inspire, drive change and with the hope for a better tomorrow, The Pink Revolution was born.

"Pink is not just a color, it's a way of life; it's not just a color of clothing or ribbon, it's the color of a personality that is open, listening, and loving… Pink is the color of the future and love will bring us there." Robredo said on an interview with CNN

The collection featured pieces that embody the meaning of pink in the runway. Hosted in the Leni-Kiko Headquarters in Katipunan, Quezon city ― check out these amazing pieces from up and coming designers that’s not afraid, to mix their activism with their craft.

Emanuel Riñoza

As one of the designers to spearhead the event, Emanuel Rinoza did not disappoint in sending his message across with his ensemble. Featuring a big ruffled flower at the center of the sheer see-through blouse, the flower symbolizes the heart and love that Riñoza wants for both his country, and the tandem.

Kalvin Barrios

Kalvin Barrios proves that simplicity will never go out of style. Barrios featured an elegant fuchsia taffeta ball gown, with matching opera gloves. A striking couture piece fit for a woman with bold ambitions.

Mikayl Trinidad

Mikayl Trinidad embodied the essence of this campaign, brave and fearless. What better way to make a daring and unapologetic statement, than to show up in a head-to-toe hot pink denim.

Ulysses Caragayan

Ulysses Caragayan pushed the boundaries of what pink really means. Entitled “The Last Bloom,” Caragayan’s ensemble was ethereal — a walking piece of art as it features a nude illusion with roses and petals embellished all over the outfit.

Vic Fajatin

Redefining power is one of the main themes of Robredo’s campaign, and Vic Fajatin signifies this with a perfect black dress with a pleated fuchsia silk fabric. His piece emanates an austere as it graced down the runway.

Jan Fernandez

If there’s a word to describe Jan Fernandez ensemble, power. Fernandez featured a striped fuchsia dress with the back partially exposed. Simple and fashion-forward.

Arwin Meriales

One thing about Arwin Meriales is that he is going to make a statement - The runway calls for revolutionary, and what better way to show that with two looks in one.

For his first look, he showed a hot pink pantsuit with a green pinstripe cape shaped as a leaf. Inspired by the main flower used for Robredo’s campaign, the look resembled a rose. Moments later, the green cape was taken off and we were served a second look — unveiled a pink corset that served fierce and bold.

Jovanne Irenio

Jovenne Irenio served in class as Irenio showcased a fuchsia column gown with two trains flowing gracefully while the model walked down the runway.

John Jade Montecalvo

Aside from supporting the running president, John Jade Montecalvo also came to showcase his Filipino roots. Inspired by the “Basahan” or the Filipino rug, the pink bralette and fringed skirt has “Let Leni Lead” imprinted at the back, to showcase support to the running President. Dramatic, revolutionary and profound.

Jas Hosena

Pink is not just a single color, as the running President Robredo said, it’s a way of life. Jas Hosena showed the serene side of pink with a baby-pink jumpsuit covered in ruffles and pearl embellishments.

Raina Novales

With the same energy as Robredo’s campaign, aside from being fierce, it’s also loving and caring. Raina Novales’ baby pink dress was an embodiment of Robredo's statement, that pink is the color that love and cares. The stockings were covered in flower embellishments, exuding the energy of femininity and warmth.

Fashion has turned its spotlight on politics. These young designers being fearless in mixing the two have shown the importance of voting, and putting the right people in the right position.

“Fashion reflects what’s ‘now.’ For it to have power and feel right, it has to speak to what is going on more broadly,” says Dr Rosie Findlay, course leader in fashion cultures at London College of Fashion.

Gone are the days that people being apolitical are acceptable. It’s time to take your protest to the ballot box and vote this coming May 9!