Cover Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
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Acclaimed designer Happy Andrada translates the visual legacy of Presidential Medal of Merit awardee Juvenal Sansó into wearable fine art through the striking 30-piece Sansó x Happy Andrada capsule collection
Fundacion Sansó, in partnership with Discovery Primea, has officially presented the Sansó x Happy Andrada: “Art Inspires Fashion” collection. After its well-received exhibition at Fundacion Sansó, collectors and fashionistas alike got to appreciate the collection in a culturally rich fashion show setting at the Shakespeare and Cervantes function rooms of Discovery Primea, held last June 6.
The 30-piece collaboration presents a dynamic dialogue between fashion and fine art, blending Andrada’s passion for Philippine textiles with Juvenal Sansó’s celebrated imagery, which includes his iconic black bouquets, florals, abstracts, hand-painted photo slides and Moderno Series. United by a shared affinity for emotional expression, innovation and vibrant colour, the line reimagines the artist’s expansive oeuvre into wearable art.
Read more: Juvenal Sansó: Master of Visual Artistry
Above Happy Andrada
Happy Andrada
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While Sansó is widely recognised for his evocative floral paintings and Brittany landscapes, he maintained a significant, albeit lesser-known, connection to the fashion world. During his time as a young student in Paris, he supported himself by designing textiles for European fashion houses such as Synergie and Bianchini-Ferrier. A major breakthrough came when he sold a portfolio of his designs to the House of Balenciaga, allowing him to devote his life fully to painting.
For Andrada, a recipient of the NCCA’s Ani ng Dangal Award and the Artist of the Year title at the International Fashion Art Biennale in Seoul, this Sansó x Happy Andrada project involved a deeply intuitive creative process.
“My process was very intuitive; I chose the works that resonated with me on an emotional level,” Andrada explained regarding her approach. “I was drawn to pieces I could translate into fabric through texture, movement and detail,” she added.
Above The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
Above The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
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Above The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
Above The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
The Sansó x Happy Andrada collection
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A major highlight of the collection includes one-of-a-kind barong bibs. These were conceived as gender-neutral pieces with a universal fit, embodying both craftsmanship and inclusivity.
Discovery Primea general manager David Pardo de Ayala, Jaimie Tiu, Cynthia Tiu, Angela Soriano, Galerie Joaquin founder and managing director Jack Teotico
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To reinterpret the celebrated motifs of Sansó, Andrada utilised an array of upcycled eco-conscious accents, handwoven textiles, and indigenous Philippine materials. Each garment combines traditional and modern dressmaking techniques, featuring embroidery, punch-needle work, smocking, pleating, felting, beadwork, crochet, laser-cutting, airbrushing, and hand-painting.
The designer sourced these woven fabrics from communities across the Philippines, including Aklan, Lake Sebu, Basilan, Sulu, Cavite, Baguio, and Ilocos. Furthermore, she collaborated with artisanal groups like Harvest Collective, Narda’s Weaves, and Hiblang Cavite to strengthen the bond between local craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.
Read more: Designer Happy Andrada on representing the Philippines at the International Fashion Art Biennale
Above Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
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The exhibition and fashion show hosted by Discovery Primea, one of Manila’s premier hotels, highlighted their celebration of contemporary Filipino design and artistic legacy. Guests were immersed in a multisensory presentation that wove striking visuals with live Filipino music.
Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with floral backdrops from Amante Fleurs and musical performances by Rondalla De Canoy. The programme, hosted by Anne Gauthier and Issa Litton, opened with a stirring performance by the vocal harmony group Acapellago. Following this, the fashion show commenced with a vibrant acoustic backdrop provided by the multicultural music ensemble Anima Tierra. The models’ ensembles were further accentuated by Hiyas Jeweller pieces before the evening culminated in a show-stopping finale.
Above Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
Discovery Primea showcases the Sansó x Happy Andrada “Art Inspires Fashion” collection
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The Sansó x Happy Andrada capsule collection is currently available for purchase. Honouring Sansó’s vision of nurturing young creatives, a portion of the proceeds will help fund the arts and scholarship programmes of Fundacion Sansó.
Above Acapellago performing at the start of the programme
Above Anima Tierra performing during the fashion show
Acapellago performing at the start of the programme
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“Happy Andrada has committed a significant portion of the proceeds from this collection to support these programs,” shared Fundacion Sansó director Ricky Francisco. “Her participation transforms the project into more than a creative dialogue; it becomes a meaningful act of cultural stewardship and shared belief in the importance of nurturing future practitioners.”
Those interested in the collection can visit Fundacion Sansó at 32 V Cruz Street, Barangay Sta Lucia, San Juan, or check their online shop at fundacionsanso.shop.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
