Fil-Am designer spotlights Filipino craftsmanship at New York Fashion Week

This season’s New York Fashion Week showcased the artistic genius of top designers, including LA-based Carl Andrada (center). Photo by RJ Ensalada

At the recent New York Fashion Week, Filipino talent took center stage not just through the presence of celebrities gracing the runway, but also by showcasing the artistic genius of homegrown designers. 

Among the models were (from left) 2024 Miss Earth USA Bea Windorski, Miss World America contenders Heather Santos and Joyce Santiago, and Miss USA finalist Breea Yamat. CONTRIBUTED

Among those who stood out was Carl Andrada, a Los Angeles-based Filipino American costume and fashion designer known for his eco-friendly, sustainability-focused creations. Blending traditional Filipino fabrics with modern fashion, Andrada brought his vision to life in two distinct runway shows.

Mr. US United Duke Dave Valeriano/Photo by RJ Ensalada

One of his highlights was for the “House of Musa,” where Andrada debuted a four-piece collection made from Musa fabric, a handwoven material derived from banana fibers.

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A post shared by Carl Andrada (@carmelodesignsbycarlandrada)

His second collection, titled “The Secret Garden,” featured 18 pieces bursting with colors, inspired by the “lush, untamed flora of the Philippines.”

Photo by RJ Ensalada

Each piece in the collection is meticulously crafted from fabrics sourced from the Philippines’ three major islands. Andrada incorporated Hablon from Iloilo in the Visayas, Musa from Mindanao and Binakol from Luzon – each of these fabrics representing centuries-old handwoven traditions made from natural fibers. 

Photo by RJ Ensalada

Beauty queens such as 2024 Miss Earth USA Bea Windorski, Miss USA finalist Breea Yamat and Miss World America contenders Heather Santos and Joyce Santiago showcased Andrada’s designs.

Mister Philippines USA Zac Tolentino. Photo by RJ Ensalada

Wearing a piece made with Hablon fabric, Yamat rocked the runway in a stunning yellow creation. Andrada took to Instagram, writing, “Sometimes you don’t need a lot of bling – just a gorgeous face and the confidence of Breea Yamat, 2024 Miss Hawaii USA, accentuated with Hablon fabric from Iloilo.” 

The Fil-Am beauty queen gratefully commented, “Thank you so much for the opportunity!”

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A post shared by Breea Yamat (@breearae)

Yamat then expressed her gratitude and honor of wearing the pieces made by Andrada: “Thrilled to make my New York Fashion Week debut with Carmelo Designs and @house_of_musa_ph for @hitechmoda. Our gowns showcased stunning hand-made designs featuring Musa fabric, a sustainable textile made from banana fiber with cultural roots in the Philippines. Walking the Musa crown runway alongside my fellow Filipina queens was truly unforgettable!”