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A Tale of Two Designs: The Aesthetics of Zero Waste

Jay Chadly Pulan’s Foliosa dress and footwear pieces, and Lyanna San Pedro’s Osiris earrings share their advocacy for zero waste fashion.

The creative mind is one that fabricates beautiful things out of the most meager resources. From recycled plastic, bottle caps and straws, to scraps of wood and acrylic pieces, University of the Philippines-Cebu’s third year Product Design students, Lyanna San Pedro and Jay Chadly Pulan, aim to give life to pieces we once neglected as trash.

Osiris

Since her win during the Aboitiz Green Fashion Revolution stint for her collection of accessories, 20-year-old Lyanna San Pedro has ventured on the path of jewelry making. She recalls that in class, during the conceptualization of one of her designs, her goal was to always innovate materials and give it an aesthetic rebirth.

Lyanna San Pedro’s Osiris collection of earrings were created purely from scraps and trash the Fine Arts-Product Design student picked up.

Her earrings collection Osiris is made up of different pieces, unified by the essential ingredient of recycled materials. From Egyptian mythology, Osiris is the god of resurrection, transition and regenerations–which Lyanna believes encompasses the essence of her design.

The earrings collection made from scrap materials and 50% plastic is a rebirth of the tons and tons of scraps and trash she found in places she frequented. Machineries in her university also helped her make use of the scraps through the process of grinding and pressing for plastic, which then allowed her to play with different shapes and materials in her collection.

The rightmost pair is Lyanna’s personal favorite rom her collection, which is also her first ever prototype.

The spring and summer collection was inspired by Lyanna’s childhood memory of the local borloloy, a Tagalog slang for fashion accessories. These are colorful pieces of jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces and earrings, that one would wear at church on Sundays or for special events. 

Her favorite piece, though nameless, holds a special place in her heart as it is her first ever prototype. She also took the time to develop such a piece, adding one piece after another until she found the design complete. No wonder it had become her go-to accessory when she went out.

Lyanna finds her earrings collection unique, aside from her advocacy for a zero waste lifestyle, because she also takes pride in its creation. Her creative eye was put to the test in order to take in junk and transform them into a one-of-a-kind product. With bits and pieces of lace, buttons, worn out pearls, acrylic, scrap fabric and a dash of creativity, Lyanna gave birth to the Osiris collection through the the rebirth of what many had considered trash.

Foliosa

One look at the at 22-year-old Jay Chadly Pulan’s designs, and you wouldn’t think they were made straight out of recycled plastic bags of different shapes, sizes and colors. Giving in to her inner diva, she translated the styles of Lady Gaga and Beyonce into her trashion (trash + fashion) pieces.

Jay Chadly Pulan used heat to melt the color of the plastics she had collected, putting them all together into one sheet that she then used to cut out patterns.

The collection is named after the coral specie folios, as the composition depicts the abstract formation of ruffles and waves in corals. By fusing plastics through heat pressing and ironing, Jay collected at least two large bags containing varied types of plastic–bags, caps and straws, among others–and ironed it into a big sheet that she then formed patterns with. Jay went on to buy heels from a thrift shop, and experimented its form using scraps of wood to form the unique arched shape of the heels in the piece.

Jay sees her designs as a unique venture into sustainable and environmentally friendly trashion concept, as it resulted in an avant-garde piece. This is a unique take on clothing made from recycled materials, which usually focuses on the creation of ball gowns and ternos. The technique of using heat and fusing the colors to come off into an off-white color makes this Fine Arts student stand out.

The Foliosa shoes were created from a pair that Jay had bought at a thrift store, then experimented with using the plastics.

Calling out to budding artists in the local art scene of Cebu like her, Jay says that anyone can create a perfect design. What sets a good designer apart, however, is the advocacy they are supporting through their designs. In Jay’s case, she hopes for zero waste in the fashion industry. 

Jay aims to add to her collection more fine, sustainable and environmentally friendly pieces in the coming months, and visualizes that the future of the fashion industry, and that of her projects, will venture into new technology that would develop motion on dresses.


The concept of fast fashion has come about in this generation, which has proved to leave polluting footprints. Some clothes literally just end up in landfills after they go out of style.

However, with efforts like this, the future of the local fashion scene looks promising. New ideas, like those of these art students, show that fashion doesn’t have to focus just on aesthetics. Instead, they also put heavy thought on how to reduce waste in the industry of fashion, without compromising their art.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.

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