Epson has teamed up with the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) to raise awareness on sustainable fashion through innovative technology.
As part of the partnership, Epson collaborated with seven local designers from Singapore, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to create a special fashion collection focusing on sustainability and cultural heritage.
The “Sustainability in Asia” collection—revealed during Epson’s LFP Innovation Day in Bangkok on March 21—showcased the vibrant and high-quality apparel pieces printed using Epson’s line of dye sublimation printers, including SureColor SC-F6430, SureColor SC-F9430H, and SureColor SC-F10030.
Filipino designer Dave Ocampo represents the Philippines at this year’s AFDS. Ocampo focuses on creating ready-to-wear styles that are both wearable and classic, while also prioritizing sustainable practices by sourcing fabrics locally and supporting local communities. His designs aim to make fashion accessible to the public, emphasizing sleek and timeless silhouettes.
“The collection aims to showcase the beauty of the Philippines through colors, symbols, and patterns,” shared Ocampo. “The design highlights Philippines’ very own colorful festivals, cultural symbols that are deeply rooted in its history, and patterns that are uniquely tied to its heritage and identity. Partnering with Epson for digital textile printing allows us to bring the details and vibrant colors to life.”
Sublimation transfer is an easy printing method in which the design is first printed on a dye sublimation transfer media. Using only a combination of heat and pressure, the design is then transferred directly onto the fabric, creating permanent, vibrant, and fade-resistant prints.
Unlike traditional printing methods, digital textile printing with dye sublimation requires less water for fabric preparation, dyeing, and rinsing, making it more environmentally friendly for apparel companies. It also minimizes over-production as designers can produce printed fabric as required. This helps fashion designers maintain sustainable textile printing businesses while cutting costs and environmental impact..
Additionally, going digital enables designers to have full creative freedom to print anything imaginable and on-demand. The technology allows them to create and produce complex designs, giving designers endless variations and options that suit their respective tastes.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with AFDS to raise awareness on sustainable digital textile printing through a creative showcase on apparels with these established and aspiring ASEAN designers,” said Masako Kusama, President of Epson Philippines Corporation. “Guided by our brand message, ‘Engineered for Good,’ Epson is continuously exploring different ways to co-create sustainability technology solutions that truly enrich our communities and address issues surrounding the environment. It is part of our long-term mission to improve the sustainability standards across different industries including the textile industry.”
“The team of designers with AFDS are excited to participate in this unique partnership with Epson, aligning with their shared vision for the future of fashion and technology. The collaborative designs crafted for this venture embody a vibrant fusion of fun, youthfulness, fashion-forward sensibilities, and practical wearability,” added Hayden Ng, Premier Founder and Singapore Fashion Ambassador of the ASEAN Fashion Designers Showcase.
